Overview
- Cole Kmet exited the Saints game with a back injury and missed midweek practices, leaving his status for Sunday uncertain and positioning Colston Loveland to serve as the top tight end if needed.
- Head coach Ben Johnson and passing game coordinator Press Taylor praised Loveland’s readiness and flexibility, signaling plans to move him around the formation to maximize matchups.
- The No. 10 pick has eight receptions for 78 yards after six games and missed one with a hip issue, yet he has earned late-down targets from Caleb Williams that helped seal recent wins.
- Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league in tight end usage with 32 total targets, so an expanded role for Loveland would represent a meaningful adjustment in the passing offense.
- Facing Baltimore’s defense led by Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, Loveland’s stint as TE1 doubles as an evaluation that could weigh on the team’s offseason outlook for Kmet.