Cole Kmet has been one of the most durable players to wear a Chicago Bears uniform in recent years.
Since the Bears drafted him in the second round in 2020, the 26-year-old tight end has been a fixture on offense, and has suited up for 90 out of a possible 90 games in his 5+ NFL seasons.
That’s why it’s no small thing the veteran hobbled off the field against the New Orleans Saints Week 7 with a back injury. Kmet left in the third quarter of Chicago’s 27–20 win and was quickly ruled doubtful to return.
“Kmet has played in 90 consecutive games, and I’ve always maintained that tight end is one of the positions where it’s difficult for players to remain healthy, especially over a long stretch,” Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote on October 20.
“Why? They’re asked to block guys bigger than them in the running game, where bodies get tangled up. Then they’re exposed to hits from faster defenders when they’re running routes. Occasionally they can get targeted by a defender who is a missile.”
Cole Kmet Injury Update: Will Back Issue Prevent Chicago Bears TE From Playing vs. Ravens Week 8?
GettyWill Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet play Week 8 vs. the Baltimore Ravens after injuring his back?
Over his career, Kmet has racked up 267 catches for 2,724 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s evolved from a rookie who caught just 28 passes in 2020 into one of the more dependable all-around tight ends in the NFC.
His breakout came in 2022 when he hauled in seven touchdowns, and he followed it up with a career-best 73 catches for 719 yards and six scores in 2023. Through seven weeks of 2025, he’s at nine receptions for 132 yards and a score.
As it stands, Kmet’s status for Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens.
“We’ll find out more on Wednesday for sure, but we’re thinking more day-to-day or week-to-week right now,” Johnson said on Monday.
Chicago’s offensive identity under new head coach Ben Johnson has been built around versatility and balance, with Kmet and rookie tight end Colston Loveland often on the field together. Johnson’s system leans heavily on 12 personnel, using both tight ends to disguise plays and open up mismatches.
If Kmet can’t go Sunday, Loveland — the No. 10 overall pick in April — has shown flashes as a blocker and receiver, but he’s still finding his footing in the NFL. A bigger workload would mean more responsibility in both the passing game and the run game, and it would force veteran Durham Smythe into a larger blocking role.
Kmet Has Been Favorite Red Zone Target for QB Caleb Williams
The red zone is where the Bears could feel Kemt’s absence the most if he doesn’t play Week 8. Over the last two seasons, the TE has been one of Caleb Williams’ most trusted targets near the goal line, hauling in 13 touchdowns in that span. His size, body control and chemistry with the quarterback make him a difficult matchup for safeties and linebackers. Without him, the Bears might have to rely more on their receivers winning one-on-one matchups on the outside.
Beyond the numbers, Kmet’s impact shows up in ways that don’t make the box score. He’s one of the team’s best help blockers against edge rushers, which has been key in keeping Williams upright.
If Kmet can suit up in Baltimore, the Bears will have the full range of their offense at their disposal. Biggs also noted that Kmet hurt his ankle inn training camp, and was spotted in a walking boot. He wound up practicing a day after wearing the boot, so we’ll see how it goes this week.
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