Overview

• Chicago opened its 38-0 preseason win over Buffalo with back-to-back completions to rookie Colston Loveland and veteran Cole Kmet, signaling intentional early usage of both tight ends.
• Johnson’s past usage in Detroit points to heavy 12 personnel in Chicago after the Lions ranked third in the NFL last season by using two-tight-end sets on 32.2% of plays.
• Loveland, drafted No. 10 overall, has lined up in-line, in the slot and out wide and says the scheme allows him to line up anywhere on the field.
• Tight ends coach Jim Dray praised a strong bond between Kmet and Loveland, and team leaders previously assured Kmet of a significant role after a 2024 season with reduced receiving totals.
• Coaches say specific roles and target splits are still being evaluated as Week 1 approaches, with plans to tailor play calls to personnel once the regular season begins.