Bears TE Cole Kmet (knee) to miss rest of season

Field Level Media|published: Fri 23rd October, 14:36 2026

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is going on injured reserve with a season-ending knee injury, head coach Ben Johnson confirmed on Friday.

Kmet was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of Thursday night's 30-24 home victory against the New England Patriots. He grabbed his right knee after being tackled low following an 8-yard catch and finished with three receptions for 28 yards.

"He's a big part of our heartbeat," Johnson said. "It stinks. I hate it."

Kmet, 27, had 10 receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown in seven games (three starts) this season. He has one season left on a four-year, $50 million contract extension signed in July 2023.

Drafted by Chicago in the second round out of Notre Dame in 2020, Kmet has collected 298 catches for 3,026 yards and 22 TDs in 107 career games (94 starts).

Johnson said Kmet's absence is an opportunity for 2026 third-round pick Sam Roush to step up. Roush, 23, has three catches for 33 yards in seven games this season for the Bears (5-2).

"We'll be able to see the player that we drafted," Johnson said. "We had high hopes when we took him. ... I'm confident in what he's going to be able to do for us back half of the season."

--Field Level Media

Latest