Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is unsure if rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) will be a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July. After having surgery on his shoulder in January, Colston has been able to lift weights, run routes and catch passes, with his final hurdle being getting his strength and mobility fully back. In the meantime, he's getting lots of mental reps as he learns Chicago's playbook. The 21-year-old was the 10th overall pick in April's NFL draft and gives second-year quarterback Caleb Williams another pass-catching weapon alongside fellow TE Cole Kmet. While Loveland certainly has a higher fantasy ceiling than Kmet, Kmet's presence and Loveland's delay due to surgery could mean a slow start in his first NFL season. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues should definitely temper expectations.
Jun 11, 2025 6:08 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) hasn't taken part in any of the team's offseason workouts to this point after undergoing shoulder surgery in late January, but he remains on track to be ready to practice with the team in training camp this summer. The 21-year-old is nearly five months into a six-month recovery timetable and has been limited to stretching and light work during mandatory minicamp this week. He can run routes and catch passes but the remaining hurdle is regaining strength in his shoulder. It's good news that Loveland should be ready for training camp, but he's already missed valuable reps, and it's fair to be skeptical about his role in head coach Ben Johnson's offense with Cole Kmet still in the fold. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues shouldn't overpay for immediate production. Loveland is the TE18 in RotoBaller's preseason rankings.
Jun 10, 2025 9:32 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) was spotted in uniform during mandatory minicamp this week and could be getting closer to a return after having shoulder surgery, according to The Athletic's Adam Jahns. "I just knew the springtime here, he wasn't going to be available," head coach Ben Johnson said, "and at some point here in camp, we should get the green light." The 21-year-old 10th overall pick back in April has been around the team, but he's missing valuable on-field reps heading into his first NFL season. The Bears obviously like the Michigan product a lot, and the pass-catching TE becomes more attractive when paired with Johnson's offensive mind. There's a lot to like about Loveland long term, but it could be difficult for him to produce consistently with Cole Kmet still around. Losing development time this offseason is not a good start.
Jun 6, 2025 3:24 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) was present but not participating during Thursday's OTA practice as he recovers from a shoulder injury, according to The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns. Loveland had surgery on his right shoulder in January to fix an AC joint dislocation and isn't ready for on-field work just yet. It's unclear if the 21-year-old 10th overall pick will be ready to take part in mandatory minicamp in early June, but the expectation is that he'll be ready to rock for the start of training camp at the end of July. The Bears still have Cole Kmet at the tight end position, but Loveland should have an immediate big role on offense in his rookie season as long as he's healthy. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder is an excellent pass-catcher and has a high ceiling at the next level, but fantasy managers in redraft leagues should temper expectations in Year 1.
May 22, 2025 10:39 PM EST
Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) has been unavailable during practice during rookie minicamp while rehabbing from surgery that he had on his shoulder in January. While he's unavailable for on-field work, Loveland is focusing on the mental side of things, learning the offensive scheme and developing chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams. The 21-year-old 10th overall pick in this year's NFL draft is expected to increase his activity by the time mandatory minicamp rolls around early next month, and he should be fully ready to go by training camp this summer as he enters his first year in the NFL. The Bears still have Cole Kmet at the position, but the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Loveland could be Chicago's top pass-catching TE by season's end. As he shares playing time with Kmet in Year 1, fantasy managers should temper expectations in 2025.
May 9, 2025 10:08 PM EST
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chicago Bears have signed first-round pick tight end Colston Loveland to a four-year, $26.6 million deal. He was one of five draft picks to sign their rookie deal on Thursday, along with new teammate, running back Kyle Monangai. The former Michigan Wolverine is officially a Bear. Loveland did not laud eye-popping stats during his time in college, but he brings a tantalizing blend of athleticism and ball skills to the field. Not only is he versatile -- able to move around the formation to cause mismatches -- but he's also drawn comparisons to Trey McBride and Sam LaPorta, the latter of which would be fitting considering his potential role in a Ben Johnson offense. The Idaho native will likely lose some work to fellow tight end Cole Kmet in 2025, but he's an excellent long-term play and should take over as the team's starter eventually.
May 8, 2025 7:16 PM EST
The Chicago Bears selected former Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Ted Nguyen of The Athletic believes he is a good match for Ben Johnson's offense. "Loveland is a natural fit in the role Sam LaPorta has played in the Lions' offense for now-Bears head coach Ben Johnson, moving all over the formation. Loveland has a burst and runs smooth routes. He can run a wide route tree from the inside or outside," Nguyen wrote. "He'll be able to feast inside against linebackers and safeties. Few second-level defenders who will be able to hang with Loveland's crafty route running and speed." While there's reason for optimism for Loveland in 2025 fantasy football, it often takes tight ends time to develop, and the Chicago pass-catching group is crowded with wide receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III. Loveland is an intriguing dynasty fantasy football asset, but expectations should be somewhat tempered in redraft setups.
May 1, 2025 3:44 PM EST