Bears tight end Cole Kmet hurt his back against the Saints and is doubtful to return Sunday.
Kmet was injured in the third quarter. He had one catch for 16 yards before leaving the game.
The tight end has been remarkably healthy during his Bears career, missing only one game in his five-and-a-half years with the team.
The Bears drafted Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the first round this year with plans that he could coexist with Kmet — and even play alongside him, with the rookie appearing as more of a slot receiver. Neither has been a prominent pass-catching weapon this season, with Kmet catching nine passes for 132 yards and Loveland catching six passes for 52 yards. Loveland missed the Raiders game with a hip injury.
With Kmet injured, the Bears leaned on Loveland and third-string tight end Durham Smythe. He wasn’t the only starter hurt Sunday — cornerback Tyrique Stevenson went down in the first half with a shoulder problem.
