Bears Highly-Touted Rookie Back in Uniform After Injury Setback

OTAs are rolling along at Halas Hall, and while a handful of Bears are still nursing injuries—T.J. Edwards, Kyler Gordon, Luther Burden III, Shemar Turner, Braxton Jones, and Ryan Bates among them—there was one moment that stood out. A highly-touted rookie, recovering from shoulder surgery, was seen suited up and walking with staff to the practice fields. It wasn’t a full return, but it was a clear step in the right direction.

Colston Loveland, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and first tight end taken, has been on the mend since undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year. Out of Michigan, Loveland was known for being a mismatch nightmare and is projected to play a big role in Ben Johnson’s offense, especially with Caleb Williams heading into year two. 

According to Just Another Year Chicago: Bears, there’s reason for optimism.

Adam Jahns of The Athletic reported:

'Rookie tight end Colston Loveland could be getting closer to returning after shoulder surgery,' Jahns wrote. 'He was spotted in uniform, accompanying staff members to other practice fields at Halas Hall while the rest of the team practiced on Fields 1 and 2.'

 

Loveland himself sounded encouraged when he spoke during his introductory press conference on April 25:

'Six months was the timetable. We’re three out right now. And it feels great. I got full range of motion and everything. I can do really everything but just like super heavy weight. ... We’re in a good spot.'

Seeing Loveland back out there—even if just in uniform—is a great sign for Chicago. With Ben Johnson building a scheme designed to elevate Williams, having a versatile weapon like Loveland trending toward a return only strengthens what the Bears are putting together on offense.