Colston Loveland lands on hot seat after quiet Bears opener

Colston Loveland's second NFL season started in a surprisingly familiar way. After entering 2026 as one of the Chicago Bears' most popular breakout candidates, Loveland was essentially invisible in Sunday's 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The second-year tight end was targeted twice and didn't record a catch, a surprising stat line considering Chicago piled up 552 yards and scored eight offensive touchdowns. It's reminiscent of Loveland's slow start as a rookie before he eventually emerged as one of Caleb Williams' most reliable weapons. Loveland finished 2025 with 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns, leading the Bears in receiving yards. That track record is why one quiet afternoon shouldn't create panic. Still, Loveland enters Week 2 on the hot seat to become more involved in Ben Johnson's offense. Chicago didn't need much from him against Carolina because nearly everything else worked, but a player with Loveland's talent and expectations shouldn't disappear from the passing game for long.