The Chicago Bears are set to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a pivotal Week 4 showdown that will get one team back to .500. The Bears will need to take care of business without a few key starters, while other impact players’ statuses are up in the air. That includes rookie tight end Colston Loveland, who is questionable with a hip injury.
Loveland exited last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half and did not return. He missed two practices during the week and got in a limited session on Friday. With Sunday’s game creeping closer and closer, what’s the latest on Loveland going into Week 4?
Will Colston Loveland play vs. Raiders?
While Loveland is questionable, it seems he’ll be held out of Sunday’s game. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Loveland is not expected to suit up against the Raiders. The Bears elevated tight end Stephen Carlson just in case Loveland isn’t able to go, and it appears that is the likely outcome.
Who will step up in Loveland’s place?
Losing Loveland is a blow for the Bears offense, but fortunately they still have Cole Kmet, who can be a legitimate receiving threat. Kmet has been used as a blocker more this season, but he caught his first touchdown last week after Loveland went out. Expect him to run more routes this week and become more of a focal point in the passing game. Carlson and veteran Durham Smythe will also see more snaps on offense.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Colston Loveland injury update: Will Chicago’s TE play vs. Raiders?
Reporting by Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
