The Chicago Bears picked up a big win on Sunday, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 31–14 at Soldier Field. But the victory came with a concerning moment as rookie tight end Colston Loveland exited in the first half with a hip injury.
With Week 4 quickly approaching, fans are eager to know whether the Bears’ first-round pick will be available when they travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders.
What Happened to Colston Loveland?
Loveland’s injury occurred late in the first half. On an incomplete pass from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, Loveland hobbled and headed to the sideline. He was initially listed as questionable to return but was downgraded to doubtful as the game progressed.
Before leaving, Loveland had already made an impact. He caught a 31-yard pass in the opening quarter that set up the Bears’ first touchdown. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in coverage has been one of the most intriguing aspects of Chicago’s young offense.
Loveland missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. This is not an encouraging sign, and the rookie could potentially not play in Week 4. On Saturday, NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed that the Bears tight end is not expected to play on Sunday.
“Bears TE Colston Loveland is not expected to play Sunday vs. the Raiders due to his hip injury, per source,” Schefter wrote. “Bears elevated tight end Stephen Carlson from their practice squad for Sunday’s game at Las Vegas.”
The Bears’ offense is still developing rhythm under Caleb Williams, and a reliable target like Loveland is key for the rookie quarterback’s confidence, especially in red-zone situations.
Colston Loveland’s Rookie Season So Far
Through three games of the 2025 season, Loveland has caught three passes for 43 yards, averaging 14.3 yards per reception. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, they highlight his big-play ability. His lone 31-yard grab against Dallas was a reminder of the role he can play in opening up the field for the Bears’ offense.
After a standout career at Michigan, Loveland entered the NFL as the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Across three seasons (2022–24), he recorded 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2024, he posted career-highs with 56 catches, 582 yards, and five touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of college football’s top tight ends.
What It Means for the Bears in Week 4
Without Loveland, the Bears will not have a valuable weapon against the Raiders’ defense, which has struggled to contain tight ends in recent seasons. His presence on the field would have forced the opposing defense to account for his size, speed, and ability to stretch the seam.
Since the Bears are opting for caution, look for veteran tight ends on the roster to absorb some of the workload. The Bears have a bye in Week 5 and Loveland will have enough time to heal and be ready for Week 6.
