Lucas Patrick's injury creates opportunity for Bears' rookies

The most obvious beneficiary of Patrick's injury is rookie center Doug Kramer.

Kramer, the former University of Illinois standout, was selected by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He, along with last year's starter, Sam Mustipher, will receive the lion's share of first-team reps while Patrick recovers.

“Obviously, it’s a great opportunity,” Kramer said this week. “It’s still super early in camp, so right now, I’m just trying to stay locked in, learn as much as I can, and try to go after that spot, for sure.”

Kramer doesn't really have an opportunity to unseat Patrick for the starting job. When healthy, Patrick will be in the lineup. But if Kramer is indeed the next man up at center, he has to be ready to play if his number is called during the regular season.

“I’ve worked to try to get to that point, and I’ve put in a lot of time studying the playbook and trying to understand things in great detail and depth so I can be a tool for the other guys on the offensive line,” Kramer said. “And that’s a very similar mindset to what I had in Illinois, and I’m just trying to get back to that understanding of the level of detail that’s needed to be a center in this league.”

Kramer already has a fan in Bears coach Matt Eberflus.

“Super smart. Able to make all the calls,” Eberflus said of Kramer. “Sometimes you think, ‘Well, mentally it might be too big for somebody to make the mike points and change protections with the quarterback and make the line calls and be the point guy on that.’ It’s not. He’s able to do that. Now, the physical side of it, he has to learn leverage and how to play and jump to the second level under control and be able to stick and stay on linebackers, you know, understanding all those things. That’s to be expected.”

The physical side is part of the reason why Doug Kramer fell to the sixth round. He's an undersized player at 6-2, 300 pounds. Any physical advantage he can find will be critical to him enjoying sustained success in the NFL.

“It’s a dream come true," Kramer said. 'It’s hard to even think that I’m at this point, but it’s great to be here and just taking it step by step.”

Chicago Bears starting center Lucas Patrick suffered a hand injury in \x3Ca href=\"https://bearstalk.com/category/training-camp/\">training camp\x3C/a> this week that will require surgery and six-to-eight weeks to heal. There's optimism that he'll be back in the starting lineup by the time Week 1 rolls around. For now, his absence opens the door for some of Chicago's younger offensive linemen to get quality reps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The most obvious beneficiary of Patrick's injury is rookie center Doug Kramer. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer, the former University of Illinois standout, was selected by the Bears in the sixth round of the \x3Ca href=\"https://www.chicagobears.com/photos/bears-2022-draft-picks\">2022 NFL Draft\x3C/a>. He, along with last year's starter, Sam Mustipher, will receive the lion's share of first-team reps while Patrick recovers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“Obviously, it’s a great opportunity,” Kramer said this week. “It’s still super early in camp, so right now, I’m just trying to stay locked in, learn as much as I can, and try to go after that spot, for sure.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer doesn't \x3Cem>really \x3C/em>have an opportunity to unseat Patrick for the starting job. When healthy, Patrick will be in the lineup. But if Kramer is indeed the next man up at center, he has to be ready to play if his number is called during the regular season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“I’ve worked to try to get to that point, and I’ve put in a lot of time studying the playbook and trying to understand things in great detail and depth so I can be a tool for the other guys on the offensive line,” Kramer said. “And that’s a very similar mindset to what I had in Illinois, and I’m just trying to get back to that understanding of the level of detail that’s needed to be a center in this league.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer already has a fan in Bears coach Matt Eberflus.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“Super smart. Able to make all the calls,” Eberflus said of Kramer. “Sometimes you think, ‘Well, mentally it might be too big for somebody to make the mike points and change protections with the quarterback and make the line calls and be the point guy on that.’ It’s not. He’s able to do that. Now, the physical side of it, he has to learn leverage and how to play and jump to the second level under control and be able to stick and stay on linebackers, you know, understanding all those things. That’s to be expected.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The physical side is part of the reason why Doug Kramer fell to the sixth round. He's an undersized player at 6-2, 300 pounds. Any physical advantage he can find will be critical to him enjoying sustained success in the NFL.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“It’s a dream come true,\" Kramer said. 'It’s hard to even think that I’m at this point, but it’s great to be here and just taking it step by step.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca href='https://bearstalk.com/membership-account/membership-levels/\">\x3Cstrong>\x3Cem>Click here to subscribe to Bears Talk and join\x3C/em> \x3Cem>the conversation on our growing social network. Please consider one of our premium levels too. Every subscription helps grow the site.\x3C/em>\x3C/strong>\x3C/a>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Chicago Bears rookie Doug Kramer will get first-team reps following the injury to starting center Lucas Patrick during Bears training camp ...",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/Untitled-design-3-1-original.jpg",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-06-23T13:24:34.381588+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[14]=["2022 Season"],tags:$R[15]=["2022-nfl-season","2022-season","chicago-bears","doug-kramer","news","training-camp"],meta_title:null,meta_description:null,og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:null,reading_time_minutes:null,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1,linkedContent:"\x3Cp>Chicago Bears starting center Lucas Patrick suffered a hand injury in \x3Ca href=\"https://bearstalk.com/category/training-camp/\">training camp\x3C/a> this week that will require surgery and six-to-eight weeks to heal. There's optimism that he'll be back in the starting lineup by the time Week 1 rolls around. For now, his absence opens the door for some of Chicago's younger offensive linemen to get quality reps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The most obvious beneficiary of Patrick's injury is rookie center Doug Kramer. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer, the former University of Illinois standout, was selected by the Bears in the sixth round of the \x3Ca href=\"https://www.chicagobears.com/photos/bears-2022-draft-picks\">2022 NFL Draft\x3C/a>. He, along with last year's starter, Sam Mustipher, will receive the lion's share of first-team reps while Patrick recovers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“Obviously, it’s a great opportunity,” Kramer said this week. “It’s still super early in camp, so right now, I’m just trying to stay locked in, learn as much as I can, and try to go after that spot, for sure.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer doesn't \x3Cem>really \x3C/em>have an opportunity to unseat Patrick for the starting job. When healthy, Patrick will be in the lineup. But if Kramer is indeed the next man up at center, he has to be ready to play if his number is called during the regular season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“I’ve worked to try to get to that point, and I’ve put in a lot of time studying the playbook and trying to understand things in great detail and depth so I can be a tool for the other guys on the offensive line,” Kramer said. “And that’s a very similar mindset to what I had in Illinois, and I’m just trying to get back to that understanding of the level of detail that’s needed to be a center in this league.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer already has a fan in Bears coach Matt Eberflus.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“Super smart. Able to make all the calls,” Eberflus said of Kramer. “Sometimes you think, ‘Well, mentally it might be too big for somebody to make the mike points and change protections with the quarterback and make the line calls and be the point guy on that.’ It’s not. He’s able to do that. Now, the physical side of it, he has to learn leverage and how to play and jump to the second level under control and be able to stick and stay on linebackers, you know, understanding all those things. That’s to be expected.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The physical side is part of the reason why Doug Kramer fell to the sixth round. He's an undersized player at 6-2, 300 pounds. Any physical advantage he can find will be critical to him enjoying sustained success in the NFL.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“It’s a dream come true,\" Kramer said. 'It’s hard to even think that I’m at this point, but it’s great to be here and just taking it step by step.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca href='https://bearstalk.com/membership-account/membership-levels/\">\x3Cstrong>\x3Cem>Click here to subscribe to Bears Talk and join\x3C/em> \x3Cem>the conversation on our growing social network. Please consider one of our premium levels too. Every subscription helps grow the site.\x3C/em>\x3C/strong>\x3C/a>\x3C/p>",related:$R[16]=[$R[17]={id:"7894f97b-0fc0-476f-a59e-f203704c9c99",wp_post_id:100000000113,title:"One word from Ben Johnson has Bears fans wondering if he just called out Kyler Gordon",slug:"ben-johnson-kyler-gordon-bears-subtle-shot-injury",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/27",published_at:"2026-08-27T16:57:15.642+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-27T16:57:15.642+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Ben Johnson didn't mention Kyler Gordon by name Thursday. Maybe he didn't have to.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Speaking before the Chicago Bears' joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, Johnson praised the way injured players throughout the roster have attacked their rehabilitation and pushed to return to the field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"We have almost the entire roster fighting their tails off to get back out on the field,\" \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/adamjahns/status/2093002881641193553?s=20\">Johnson said, according to Adam Jahns\x3C/a>. \"They do not like missing time. ... They want to be out there with their teammates, and to me, that's the sign that we're moving in the right direction.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>\x3Cem>Almost\x3C/em>\x3C/strong> the entire roster?\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Considering everything Johnson and the Bears have said about Gordon over the last month, it's difficult not to wonder whether that qualifier was intentional.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Ben Johnson's frustration with Kyler Gordon isn't exactly a secret\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>We're not saying it's a fact that Johnson was talking about Gordon. He wasn't asked specifically about Gordon in the quote, and he didn't identify the cornerback. But there's plenty of context that makes the possibility worth considering.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Gordon remains on the PUP list with the calf injury that has kept him out throughout training camp. The Bears activated linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and safety Elijah Hicks from PUP this week, but Gordon remains there along with Noah Sewell and Shemar Turner.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>More importantly, Johnson hasn't exactly hidden his frustration with Gordon's availability.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>When training camp opened in July, GM Ryan Poles acknowledged that both Gordon and the organization were frustrated with his recovery. Poles also said Gordon would need to \"earn that trust back\" once he returned. Asked for his message to Gordon, Johnson offered only two words:\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"Get healthy.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Then came an even more awkward exchange last week.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>When asked for an update on Gordon, Johnson said there was \"nothing to add.\" Asked whether he saw Gordon around the facility, Johnson confirmed that he saw him in the building. Asked about his progress, Johnson said there was a plan Gordon was working toward before finishing the exchange by saying simply that Gordon was rehabbing.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Not the best progress report.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786022411411-nxjwc8.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjAyMjQxMTQxMS1ueGp3Yzgud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODYwMjI0MTEsImV4cCI6MjEwMTM4MjQxMX0.jmSGU3OCcEeQ2Y7Em52fn94_IRg89IqAxSRwkNTehc8\" alt=\"Kyler Gordon\">\x3Ch2>The word 'almost' makes Johnson's latest comment interesting\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>That's why Thursday's wording stands out. Johnson could have simply praised the injured Bears for fighting to return. Instead, he said \"almost the entire roster\" was fighting to get back on the field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Maybe that's nothing.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Maybe Johnson was being precise because every injured player is at a different stage of rehabilitation, and he didn't want to make a blanket statement.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But it's also fair to wonder whether Gordon was the exception Johnson had in mind.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>This isn't the first time Johnson has emphasized availability and trust when discussing Gordon. Before training camp, Johnson said the Bears know Gordon is a good player when he's available but stressed that trust is developed through availability.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And Gordon's absence isn't something new.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He played only three regular-season games in 2025 while dealing with multiple soft-tissue injuries. That came after Chicago signed him to a three-year, $40 million extension in April 2025. Now another soft-tissue issue has prevented him from participating throughout the summer.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For a Bears team already dealing with significant injuries in the secondary, Gordon's continued absence has become increasingly difficult to ignore.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears need Kyler Gordon back, but apparently on their terms\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Bears clearly want Gordon on the field. When healthy, his versatility gives Dennis Allen a valuable piece in the secondary. The frustration isn't necessarily about Gordon as a player. It's about his inability to remain available.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And Thursday's comment fits perfectly with one of Johnson's recurring themes since taking over the Bears: accountability.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Players need to practice. They need to be dependable. They need to earn the trust of their coaches and teammates. Gordon hasn't had the opportunity to do that this summer because he hasn't been on the field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Was Johnson deliberately calling him out when he said \"almost\" everyone was fighting to return? There's no way to know without Johnson saying so himself.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But after a month of unusually terse Gordon updates and public comments about availability and trust, it's certainly fair to wonder whether that one word carried a little more weight than it normally would.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Ben Johnson praised \"almost\" every injured Bears player for fighting to return Thursday, and the wording is hard to ignore given the Kyler Gordon situation.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787237632624-rexcjk.png?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzIzNzYzMjYyNC1yZXhjamsucG5nIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NzIzNzYzMywiZXhwIjoyMTAyNTk3NjMzfQ.vGaAMXelvtGZN4rkHfydcY2wSDYVrO9CABQnniJuMWA",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-27T16:51:20.790223+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[18]=["News"],tags:$R[19]=["Ben Johnson","Chicago Bears","Kyler Gordon"],meta_title:"Ben Johnson's Bears comment raises Kyler Gordon question",meta_description:"Ben Johnson praised \"almost\" every injured Bears player for fighting to return Thursday, and the wording is hard to ignore given the Kyler Gordon situation.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Kyler Gordon",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!0},$R[20]={id:"6ad88e48-2eb9-44a2-904f-18813ad9c4e5",wp_post_id:100000000112,title:"Roger Goodell drops surprising Bears stadium update as Indiana move gains momentum",slug:"bears-stadium-update-roger-goodell-arlington-heights-indiana",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/27",published_at:"2026-08-27T13:41:14.476+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-27T13:41:14.476+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Just when it appeared the Chicago Bears were headed across the state line to Indiana, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has added another twist to the franchise's seemingly endless stadium saga.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Goodell confirmed Wednesday that he recently met with Illinois lawmakers regarding the Bears' pursuit of a new stadium, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2026/08/26/bears-new-stadium-illinois-indiana-roger-goodell/91483838007/\">according to USA Today's Jarrett Bell\x3C/a>. More importantly, the commissioner made it clear that Arlington Heights remains an option alongside Hammond, Indiana.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's noteworthy considering what Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren said just two weeks ago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"Our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana,\" Warren said on Aug. 13.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The NFL isn't ready to close the door on Illinois just yet.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Goodell says Bears still looking at Arlington Heights and Indiana\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Goodell was asked about the stadium situation following Wednesday's NFL owners meeting in Atlanta.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"There's no specific timetable from my standpoint, other than we know that they are looking at the alternate groups, Indiana or Arlington Heights,\" Goodell said. \"We want to make sure that Arlington Heights and Illinois have an opportunity, as well as Indiana, to put their best foot forward.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears announced in June that their board had voted to advance the stadium development project in Hammond. Earlier this month, Warren doubled down on Indiana as the team's \"sole focus.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears have already completed due diligence on the Lost Marsh site in Hammond and determined it is viable. They're also evaluating the nearby Wolf Lake Terminal property, and Warren has said it's possible the two sites could ultimately be incorporated into the project together.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But Goodell isn't talking like Arlington Heights is dead. Quite the opposite, actually.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787838043751-6eslpj.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzgzODA0Mzc1MS02ZXNscGoud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc4MzgwNDUsImV4cCI6MjEwMzE5ODA0NX0.99rJIAnDqrlSHikyqIrKgsRjj_GQuwAXQ2c73w480Fc\" alt=\"Roger Goodell Chicago Bears\">\x3Cp>Richard Heathcole/Getty Images\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Goodell met with Illinois lawmakers about Bears stadium\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The most important stadium development is Goodell's involvement. The commissioner confirmed that he recently met with select Illinois lawmakers. The meeting had previously been reported, but Goodell publicly acknowledged it for the first time Wednesday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Goodell downplayed the idea that his involvement should be viewed as unusual.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"I'm involved in a lot of stadium efforts,\" Goodell said. \"It's not unusual for me to be involved in conversations with either public officials or others.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears have spent months expressing frustration over their inability to secure the public infrastructure assistance and legislative framework necessary to make their Arlington Heights vision work. The Bears own 326 acres at the former Arlington International Racecourse, property the organization purchased in 2023. But Illinois lawmakers adjourned their spring session without the House taking up legislation that could have helped clear a path for the project.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That helped push the Bears toward Indiana.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now the NFL commissioner is personally speaking with Illinois lawmakers while publicly stressing that Illinois should have an opportunity to make its best offer.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>At minimum, Illinois isn't out of this fight.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears have said Hammond is their focus\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>It's important not to take Goodell's comments too far. There has been no announcement that the Bears have reversed course. In fact, Warren and Bears chairman George McCaskey publicly reiterated their commitment to exploring Hammond earlier this month.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears have conducted extensive studies of the Indiana properties, including topographical, geographical and environmental work, while examining financing and the land necessary for the stadium and surrounding development. They've moved well beyond simply using Indiana as a theoretical alternative.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But they also haven't started building anything. And until that happens — or until the Bears formally commit to one location — Arlington Heights remains alive.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears stadium decision remains wide open\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>There was a point this summer when the Bears appeared to be approaching a final decision. That hasn't happened. And Goodell offered no new timetable Wednesday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Instead, the latest development creates an interesting disconnect between the team's public messaging and the NFL commissioner's comments. Warren says Hammond is the Bears' sole focus. Goodell says the Bears are looking at \"Indiana or Arlington Heights\" and wants both sides to have the opportunity to put their best foot forward.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Both things can be true at the same time. The Bears can continue aggressively developing the Hammond option while the league works to determine whether Illinois can finally produce an acceptable alternative.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>After years of stadium proposals, legislative battles, and changing locations, perhaps Bears fans should know better than to assume anything is final. This saga has another chapter left.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears have publicly focused on Hammond, Indiana, but Roger Goodell's latest comments make it clear Arlington Heights isn't out of the stadium race.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786642686933-a5kk76.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjY0MjY4NjkzMy1hNWtrNzYuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjY0MjY4OCwiZXhwIjoyMTAyMDAyNjg4fQ.4qcPL6Qfd3ERz-HI1mQ_t552LMdFEBicACZEeBUvlPM",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-27T13:28:21.277276+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[21]=["News"],tags:$R[22]=["chicaog bears","stadium"],meta_title:"Roger Goodell adds twist to Chicago Bears' stadium plans",meta_description:"The Bears have publicly focused on Hammond, Indiana, but Roger Goodell's latest comments make it clear Arlington Heights isn't out of the stadium race.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"187dce30-54e7-4d04-8811-0036fe4b8c56",wp_post_id:100000000111,title:"Cole Kmet explains why Bears opponents may have no good answer for Colston Loveland",slug:"cole-kmet-colston-loveland-bears-matchup-nightmare",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/26",published_at:"2026-08-26T22:38:40.66+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-26T22:38:40.66+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears already know what Colston Loveland can do as a receiver. Now, entering his second NFL season, the possibilities for how Ben Johnson can deploy him are becoming even more intriguing.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Just ask Cole Kmet.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Speaking to Bears reporters on Tuesday, the veteran tight end explained why Loveland presents such a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, and why simply changing personnel to account for him could create another problem.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"It's tough because those DB bodies are not big enough to cover him, and he's definitely elusive and faster than a lot of linebackers you're going to see in the NFL,\" \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/ChiBearsMuse/status/2092414529451839598?s=20\">Kmet said\x3C/a>. \"So it's going to be tough. I'll be interested to see how teams go about it.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786375416911-qjwcws.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjM3NTQxNjkxMS1xandjd3MuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjM3NTQyMCwiZXhwIjoyMTAxNzM1NDIwfQ.tmNs2GMxUIh9PD-dux8SiQMcVM4lHHw5Uxp4730V2dk\" alt=\"Colston Loveland Bears\">\x3Ch2>Colston Loveland will put defenses in a bind\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Bears don't necessarily need Loveland to dominate every individual matchup for his presence to affect the offense. They just need defenses to make a choice.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"You for sure don't want the backer on him, you don't want the safety,\" Kmet said. \"If they go small on us, we're going to run it down your throat. He's definitely a weapon that opens up a lot of things for the offense.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Put a linebacker across from Loveland, and the Bears can exploit the obvious advantage they have in his quickness and route-running ability. Match him with a smaller defensive back, and Chicago gains an advantage in the running game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>With Ben Johnson calling plays? Lookout.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears can put both tight ends on the field without necessarily tipping their hand about whether they're running or passing. Johnson can move Loveland around the formation, create favorable matchups, and force defenses to decide whether they want to counter Chicago's personnel with size or speed.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786375539822-4yczaq.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjM3NTUzOTgyMi00eWN6YXEuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjM3NTU0MCwiZXhwIjoyMTAxNzM1NTQwfQ.cGLCuoOkVXTkZCdCICBz7lHkbjHw2lgMfqONtNTCYsU\" alt=\"Colston Loveland\">\x3Ch2>Loveland could take another step in Year 2\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Loveland already provided plenty of evidence as a rookie that he can become a major part of Chicago's passing game. He was the team's best pass-catcher to close the season, and there's a valid argument that he was the best pass-catching tight end in the league over his final four games.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>All signs from training camp point to Loveland being even better in 2026. He's consistently generated positive reviews throughout the summer, including from Rome Odunze, who described Loveland as a \"rare diamond,\" praising his route running, blocking, and versatility.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kmet's comments take it a step further.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Loveland isn't simply another talented target for Williams. His skill set can potentially dictate how a defense chooses to match Chicago's personnel. And that's precisely the kind of chess piece Johnson wants.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Cole Kmet explained the matchup dilemma Colston Loveland creates and why the second-year Bears tight end could unlock even more of Ben Johnson's offense.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787783797930-3dzt39.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4Nzc4Mzc5NzkzMC0zZHp0Mzkud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc3ODM3OTgsImV4cCI6MjEwMzE0Mzc5OH0.MQsbC7auWEZc-wg7GrLElE9ThFr5pyBAEXo-Fa5sT5Q",photo_credit:"Kara Durrette/GettyImages",status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-26T22:30:41.418997+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[24]=["News"],tags:$R[25]=["chicago bears","cole kmet","colston loveland"],meta_title:"Cole Kmet reveals Bears' Colston Loveland matchup problem",meta_description:"Cole Kmet explained the matchup dilemma Colston Loveland creates and why the second-year Bears tight end could unlock even more of Ben Johnson's offense.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"colston loveland",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[26]={id:"ca422d19-7dc0-4455-ac0c-54e4324fce23",wp_post_id:100000000110,title:"Bears get big injury boost as Luther Burden III finally returns to practice",slug:"bears-luther-burden-injury-update-return-practice",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/26",published_at:"2026-08-26T18:03:14.92+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-26T18:03:14.92+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears received a pair of encouraging injury updates Wednesday, but one was particularly important with Week 1 approaching.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Luther Burden III returned to the practice field for the first time since suffering a groin injury on Aug. 8.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/2092659821954596928?s=20\">Burden participated in individual drills Wednesday\x3C/a> before heading inside when the Bears transitioned to 7-on-7 work. It was only a limited return, but getting the second-year receiver back onto the field represents a significant step in his recovery.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Meanwhile, right tackle Darnell Wright was back at practice after leaving Tuesday's workout early with an elbow concern.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Luther Burden takes important step toward Week 1 return\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Burden's return is the bigger development because of how much time he's already missed.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The injury occurred during the Bears' Aug. 8 training camp practice and has kept Burden sidelined throughout the preseason. Before the injury, Burden had been one of Chicago's most impressive offensive players during the offseason and early stages of camp.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Ben Johnson was already praising Burden during OTAs, even declaring in May that he was \"buying Luther Burden stock\" after seeing significant improvement from the second-year receiver.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now the question becomes how quickly Burden can progress from individual work to full-team participation.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears don't need to rush him through the final days of the preseason. Getting him healthy for the regular season is obviously more important than getting him snaps in Saturday's preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, Wednesday was the first tangible sign that Burden is getting closer.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Darnell Wright returns after elbow concern\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Wright's return should also ease some nerves.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears' star right tackle left Tuesday's practice early because of an elbow issue, but his presence Wednesday suggests the concern may not be significant.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's important for an offensive line that already has uncertainty at left tackle. Ben Johnson said Tuesday that the Bears still aren't \"100% sold\" on who will start there in Week 1. Wright is the opposite.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The former first-round pick earned second-team All-Pro honors last season and signed a four-year extension earlier this month that keeps him under contract through 2031.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears need him anchoring the right side while they figure out what's happening on the left.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>With the regular-season opener getting closer, Wednesday offered exactly the kind of injury news Chicago needed: Wright is back, and Burden has finally taken his first step back onto the practice field.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Luther Burden III returned to the Bears practice field Wednesday for the first time since his groin injury, while Darnell Wright also delivered good news.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1785177404572-l1nhq3.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NTE3NzQwNDU3Mi1sMW5ocTMud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODUxNzc0MDUsImV4cCI6MjEwMDUzNzQwNX0.YvKswTyE5R1IP74IpAl5I4x6DbptlId44F2TllJ7BXM",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-26T17:59:34.00596+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[27]=["News"],tags:$R[28]=["chicago bears","darnell wright","luther burden"],meta_title:"Chicago Bears get encouraging Luther Burden injury update",meta_description:"Luther Burden III returned to the Bears practice field Wednesday for the first time since his groin injury, while Darnell Wright also delivered good news.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Luther Burden",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[29]={id:"785f43c9-c721-4770-a81f-0e11f00775b8",wp_post_id:100000000109,title:"Ben Johnson's latest Bears left tackle update raises concern with Week 1 approaching",slug:"chicago-bears-left-tackle-starter-ben-johnson-week-1-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/25",published_at:"2026-08-25T17:46:44.61+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-25T17:46:44.61+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears have one preseason game remaining, and Ben Johnson still doesn't know who will protect Caleb Williams' blind side when the regular season begins.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson acknowledged Tuesday that left tackle remains one of the Bears' biggest unresolved issues, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/BradBiggs/status/2092301694990270466?s=20\">according to Brad Biggs of the \x3Cem>Chicago Tribune\x3C/em>\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"It's a hot spot for us,\" Johnson said of the position, adding that the Bears are not 100% sold on who will start at left tackle in Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago has spent essentially the entire summer searching for an answer, and while Braxton Jones recently appeared to move into the lead, Johnson isn't quite ready to declare the competition over.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1785160339180-lj9sqf.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NTE2MDMzOTE4MC1sajlzcWYud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODUxNjAzMzksImV4cCI6MjEwMDUyMDMzOX0.FiUS30Q_IiwJFyKmamG_rP-TKWMN1wYonwHmOwVqcoI\" alt=\"Braxton Jones\">\x3Ch2>Braxton Jones hasn't secured Bears' left tackle job\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Jones returned to first-team left tackle duties last week, with Theo Benedet moving to the second team. Johnson said at the time that the competition remained \"wide open.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Saturday's preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals didn't provide Jones with the statement performance he needed.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jones started with the first-team offense but was called for holding on Chicago's opening possession. The penalty erased a Roschon Johnson run that would have given the Bears first-and-goal from the Cincinnati 7-yard line. Instead, the drive stalled and ended with a Cairo Santos field goal.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That one penalty won't determine the competition, but it didn't help Jones seize a job that remains unsettled. His struggles against power rushers didn't help, either.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Consistency is what Johnson is looking for. Earlier in camp, the Bears coach said he wanted to identify the tackle who could most consistently handle defensive ends one-on-one and execute the backside responsibilities in Chicago's wide-zone running game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>So far, no good.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears have a big few days ahead at left tackle\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Jones and Benedet have emerged as the primary contenders recently, while Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie were moved to the right side after Johnson reshuffled the competition. Ozzy Trapilo's remarkable recovery has added another variable, although it's unclear whether Trapilo is \x3Cem>really\x3C/em> in the competition yet.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>I'd expect the 2025 second-round pick to emerge sometime closer to the end of September.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears close the preseason against the Tennessee Titans, giving Johnson one final opportunity to evaluate his options before the season kicks off for real against the Carolina Panthers on September 13.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's offensive line otherwise has plenty of stability. Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Darnell Wright are fantastic, and Garrett Bradbury is a solid addition after Drew Dalman's sudden retirement.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Unfortunately, left tackle remains the big question.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson calling the position a \"hot spot\" this close to the regular season makes one thing clear: Braxton Jones may be leading the competition, but he hasn't won it.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Ben Johnson says the Chicago Bears still aren't sold on their starting left tackle, leaving a critical competition unresolved with Week 1 approaching.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786032756275-c9bxx0.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjAzMjc1NjI3NS1jOWJ4eDAud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODYwMzI3NTcsImV4cCI6MjEwMTM5Mjc1N30.k7Bo8voVXs7-9zAI9yY-m59cL-KOaUsMJrN1vnhYQVA",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-25T17:38:23.078636+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[30]=["News"],tags:$R[31]=["braxton jones","chicago bears","ozzy trapilo"],meta_title:"Bears still haven't settled crucial Week 1 starting job",meta_description:"Ben Johnson says the Chicago Bears still aren't sold on their starting left tackle, leaving a critical competition unresolved with Week 1 approaching.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1}]},ssr:!0}],lastMatchId:"$year$month$day$slug20220730doug-kramer-lucas-patrick-chicago-bears-training-camp"})($R["tsr"]);$_TSR.e();document.currentScript.remove()