It has been a whirlwind of a week for Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland going from being a complete bust to being the star player fans expected him to be.
In the Bears' Week 9 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Loveland had a career game as he caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. His last touchdown was the most important as he took it to the house from 58 yards out with two broken tackles and the game-winner with 17 seconds left in the game.
For his performance, the NFL has named Loveland the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. He becomes the second player on the Bears this season to win the award after Caleb Williams did it against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.
Loveland has done everything right to no longer be considered a bust
The beginning of the season was a long, bumpy road for Loveland as he wasn't getting many targets and struggled to get involved in the passing game. Bears head coach Ben Johnson took the blame for the tight ends not getting involved enough, but that didn't stop fans from comparing him to the outstanding rookie Colts tight end Tyler Warren.
Over the last three games, though, there has been a change in Loveland's play. He has racked up 12 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He had just 116 total yards receiving in the first six games he played before going off against the Bengals.
The dialogue has certainly changed with Loveland after the Bengals game. Cole Kmet's injury in the game now leaves the door open for Loveland to officially be the number one tight end and one of Caleb Williams' favorite targets.
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Bears fans will be watching with interest to see how the rookie performs now that he has the confidence and swagger needed to navigate the next nine games of the regular season.