Eric Horng Sat, October 24, 2026 at 3:35 AM UTC · 2 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chicago Bears will be without tight end Cole Kmet for the rest of the season after he suffered a right knee injury during the fourth quarter of Thursday night's game against the New England Patriots .
The Bears have not provided details about the nature of the injury.
Kmet, 27, was injured late in the game and was later carted off the field. His absence comes as the Bears offense has been gaining momentum following the return of quarterback Caleb Williams from a hamstring injury.
"It's a tough loss, definitely. Bears fans are going to be really thinking about that. You know, he stepped up big last year, too, with some major catches for us," Bears fan Gustavo Baptista Defaria said at Weather Mark Tavern in the South Loop.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet grabs his knee after getting tackled by the New England Patriots. AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps
Bears coach Ben Johnson expressed disappointment over the injury.
"It stinks. It does. I hate it for him. I hate it for his teammates as well," Johnson said.
Now in his seventh season with the Bears, Kmet is the longest-tenured player on the roster. Among Bears tight ends, he ranks second only to Mike Ditka in receptions and receiving yards.
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A native of Chicago's northwest suburbs, Kmet attended St. Viator High School and has become one of the team's most visible players in the community, making him a fan favorite.
Dave Archibald, Kmet's high school football coach at St. Viator, said he expects the tight end to remain a strong presence for his teammates during his recovery.
"He'll be the best teammate that he can be and continue to be a great teammate to every in his position group and love the city that loves him and go into the rehab full go. I have no doubt," Archibald said.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet gives a thumbs up after getting tackled by the New England Patriots in Chicago, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. Kmet was hurt on the play. AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps
With Kmet sidelined, other players at the position are expected to take on larger roles, including second-year tight end Colston Loveland and rookie tight end Sam Roush.
Despite the setback, some fans expressed confidence in the team's ability to adjust.
"I have a lot of faith in Ben Johnson. I mean, you know, I'm sure he's going to spin up someone. I'm sure we have the right backup," Bears fan Vishal Shah said.
"It's a team sport, so hopefully everybody comes back, and as a team gets together, and we'll get there," Bears fan Mendkhuu Enkhbayar said.
Kmet's injury comes at a pivotal point in the season. The Bears are 5-2 and continue to chase the Minnesota Vikings, who sit atop the NFC North at 5-0.
Source: Sports
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