It's the final week of the Chicago Bears' OTAs as day two completed with mostly rookies taking the spotlight with one notable player not on the field.
Chicago's first-round pick, tight end Colston Loveland, did not work out with the team as he is still recovering from the shoulder surgery he underwent during the offseason. His timeline for his return has not been established, as Bears head coach Ben Johnson was non-committal on a timetable for his return.
Loveland spoke with the media after the OTA workout on Tuesday as he was asked if he expects to be back by training. He told them he is focused on getting there.
"That's the plan, man. Just working every day to get there."
"Really just getting the strength back and mobility just continuing each day to work. When I'm there, I'll be there out ready."
.@colstonlovelan1 is up next https://t.co/Q4gTuZoj0P
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 10, 2025
Loveland's progress is close and is needed on the field
Despite the shoulder injury he suffered last year, Loveland still played 10 games with the Michigan Wolverines. He finished with a tight end school-record 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns. Loveland was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection and was a finalist for the John Mackey Award for the nation's best tight end.
Going into the offseason, Loveland was considered a first round pick as he had the second highest NFL Next Gen stats total score with 84. He did not participate in the NFL Combine, but was still the highest-selected tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft, as he was selected 10th overall by Chicago.
Loveland will enter the season as the backup to Cole Kmet, who still has three years on his contract that ends in 2027. Kmet and Loveland are expected to split time, with Kmet as the starter, but could be trade bait if Loveland outperforms him.
Read more: Ben Johnson's comments on Luther Burden shouldn't worry Bears fans (yet)
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams got himself another reliable pass catching weapon on offense as Chicago has been focused on building the future offense around him. Loveland has not been able to show as much in a Bears uniform, but the potential is there for a strong rookie debut without the pressure of performing with Kmet in front of him on the depth chart.
There are six weeks for Loveland to prepare, get healthy, and make it to training camp with his goal to be catching passes from Williams on day one.