Kmet’s Streak Concludes as Injury Sidelines Bears Star
Cole Kmet’s impressive run as the iron man of the Chicago Bears has come to an unexpected halt, as a back injury has ruled him out for the upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens. This marks the end of his remarkable streak at 90 consecutive games played, a feat that underscores his durability and commitment to the team.
Injury Updates Impacting the Roster
The Bears will not only be without Kmet, but cornerback Tyrique Stevenson will also miss the match due to a shoulder injury sustained during last week’s victory over the New Orleans Saints. Kmet’s absence will lead to increased responsibilities for rookie tight end Colston Loveland and veteran backup Durham Smythe, who will step into more prominent roles in the game plan.
Kmet’s ability to play through pain until now has been noteworthy, especially for a position that often demands physicality and resilience. Former Bears general manager Jerry Angelo once remarked that tight ends and safeties are among the players most vulnerable to injury in the NFL. This is particularly true for tight ends, who combine size and agility, often putting them in precarious positions on the field.
Rookie Ready for More Action
In Week 7, Kmet left the game after running just six routes, which put Loveland in the spotlight. The rookie was able to run 17 routes on 27 dropbacks by quarterback Caleb Williams, indicating that he has already begun to fill the void left by Kmet. With Kmet sidelined, Loveland is expected to take on a larger share of the workload, likely exceeding 75% of the routes in Week 8.
As the Bears prepare to face the Ravens, the team will look to adapt without one of their key offensive players. The upcoming game will test the depth of their roster and the readiness of Loveland and Smythe to rise to the occasion.
