Where has Bears TE Colston Loveland been this season? — SkimNews
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- Colston Loveland has just 1 reception for 3 yards on 5 targets through two games, despite playing 86.6% of the Bears' offensive snaps — the highest rate of any non-QB or lineman on the roster.
- The No. 10 overall pick out of Michigan last year, Loveland led the NFC North champion Bears with 713 receiving yards and 58 catches as a rookie, but is now started in only 48% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
- QB Caleb Williams will be inactive Monday against the Eagles due to a hamstring injury, forcing Case Keenum into the starting lineup and removing Loveland's favorite target.
- The Philadelphia Eagles defense has allowed just 6 receptions and 42 receiving yards to tight ends through two games — the third-fewest and second-fewest in the league, respectively.
- Per NFL NextGen Stats, Loveland has faced double coverage on 7% of his routes — the highest rate in the NFL regardless of position (min. 40 routes) — while his average separation has dropped from 3.7 yards in 2025 to 2.1 in 2026.
- Bears coach Ben Johnson and OC Press Taylor insist Loveland is built into the game plan, often as the primary receiver, saying the ball just hasn't found him yet despite called plays.
- The Wiener's Circle, a famous Chicago hot dog stand, offered free dogs if Loveland scored two touchdowns against the Vikings; he finished with one catch for 3 yards instead.
Why it matters: Loveland was drafted a top-10 talent and remains the Bears' primary receiving tight end by snap share, yet the ball isn't reaching him — even as coaches insist he's the primary receiver on most plays. Without Caleb Williams and facing the Eagles' tight-end-killing defense, Monday's game is either his launchpad or proof of a real distribution problem in Johnson's new offense.
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