Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland took a visible step forward this week as the team returned from its bye, offering the first signs of optimism in his recovery from a hip injury suffered during the team’s Week 3 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
After missing Week 4 against the Raiders and using the Week 5 bye to rest, the Bears are closely monitoring how Loveland responds to increased activity ahead of Monday night’s matchup against the Washington Commanders.
What Is the Latest Injury Update on Colston Loveland?
Loveland’s hip injury initially appeared minor, but it sidelined him for Week 4 and prevented him from fully practicing through the team’s pre-bye sessions. The former Michigan standout, who was already recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, returned to the field this week for light work as the Bears resumed practices.
Multiple reports noted that Loveland was spotted stretching and rehabbing alongside teammates on Tuesday, suggesting he’s trending in the right direction. He was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice, which is a good sign for his availability.
According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Loveland told reporters he felt “good” and compared this injury to a similar one he managed in college, saying, “I was over it pretty quickly. I knew it wasn’t a season-ending injury. I was itching to get back as soon as possible.”
That statement aligns with Chicago’s cautious optimism. Loveland’s participation in on-field work marks his first visible progress since exiting the Dallas game.
Team observers have emphasized that the Bears are taking a day-to-day approach with their rookie tight end, focusing on stability and pain-free movement before clearing him for full practice.
For hip-related injuries, the key milestones typically include controlled agility work, positional blocking drills, and recovery response over consecutive sessions. This week’s activity checks the first box, but Friday’s practice report will determine whether Loveland can advance to limited teamwork.
Chicago head coach Ben Johnson noted last week that the team expects incremental progress following the bye. The Bears, ranked 21st on PFSN’s Offensive Impact metrics, chose not to place Loveland on injured reserve, a sign they anticipated a short-term absence consistent with a two-to-three-week recovery window.
Will Loveland Play in Week 6?
There is cautious optimism that Loveland could be available Monday night against Washington, though no definitive decision has been made. Based on the timeline and the observed workload so far, Week 6 remains possible if he continues to respond well through the weekend.
A more conservative read would target Week 7 if any lingering soreness limits his practice participation later in the week. The Bears’ upcoming injury report will be the best indicator of progress. A shift from side-field rehab to limited or full practice would signal a realistic chance of suiting up in Washington. Remaining restricted to rehab work without team drills would point toward another week of recovery.
If Loveland is held out again, Cole Kmet will continue as the primary tight end, though his production has been inconsistent through five weeks. Getting Loveland back would add a vertical option and help balance a Bears offense that’s leaned heavily on the short passing game since Week 3. The team’s final designations, including Loveland’s game status, will be released Friday evening, following league injury reporting protocol.