Bears Rookie Colston Loveland Eyes Training Camp Return After Injury

By Jason Bolton July 17, 2025 09:12

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland is inching closer to a much-anticipated return as training camp opens, following offseason surgery to repair an AC joint injury sustained late in his collegiate career at the University of Michigan. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has remained on the sidelines during most of the Bears’ offseason workouts, but recent updates from Loveland himself paint a cautiously optimistic picture for his availability.

Loveland underwent shoulder surgery in January to fix a Type V AC joint dislocation that limited his participation in offseason programs and mini-camps. Despite the setback, the former Wolverine shared at a youth football camp that his rehabilitation is progressing well. “It’s been good. There haven’t really been live bullets flying yet,” Loveland remarked. “We’ll really know in camp once I get out there, doing a lot more stuff.” This measured optimism aligns with what Bears head coach Ben Johnson and team medical staff have expressed no rush to push Loveland back before he’s fully ready, but hope he will be a contributor during the season.

The importance of easing Loveland back cannot be overstated. As a rookie tight end taken in the first round, the expectations are high given his top-tier route-running, hands, and playmaking ability. However, with veteran Cole Kmet entrenched as the lead tight end and offseason addition Durham Smythe also in the mix, the Bears have the luxury of managing Loveland’s workload as he regains strength and confidence.

During his injury recovery, Loveland has emphasized mental preparation. He has dedicated time to mastering the Bears’ playbook and building chemistry with teammates off the field, an intangible but essential piece of his transition to the NFL. This mental reps approach is often crucial for players rehabbing serious injuries, as it ensures readiness when physical participation becomes possible.

The Bears have been careful not to set unrealistic timelines. While the team’s approach reflects a “wait and see” attitude, Loveland himself is targeting the start of training camp as the moment to ramp up activity. According to insiders, there is hope that he could begin limited practices early in camp and gradually increase his participation over the next several weeks.

Chicago fans understandably remain eager but cautious, recalling past situations where rookie injuries significantly delayed entry into the lineup. Nevertheless, the current outlook suggests that if all goes well during camp and preseason, Loveland could make his pro debut in one of the later preseason games or early in the regular season, providing a boost to an offense hungry for dynamic playmakers.

Coach Johnson summarized the current stance best: “Colston’s been great with his rehab. We’re going to be smart about integrating him, ensuring he’s 100 percent before we lean on him.”

In summary, Colston Loveland’s path back from shoulder surgery is on track. The Bears view him as a long-term asset and are committed to providing the environment he needs to succeed while minimizing risk. As training camp approaches, the hopeful narrative is that Chicago’s rookie tight end will soon be back to full health and ready to add his much-anticipated talent to the Bears’ offense. Fans will be watching closely as Loveland makes the crucial leap from rehab to the practice field.