Bears tight end Cole Kmet out for season with knee injury
The gist
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet was placed on Reserve/Injured after a serious right knee injury, ending his 2026 season.
His absence hits harder because Chicago leans on multi-tight-end sets.
How it unfolded
- Oct 23, 2026The Bears placed Kmet on Reserve/Injured after testing confirmed a serious right knee injury; he will miss the rest of the 2026 season.
- Oct 23, 2026Kmet was hurt at the end of an 8-yard reception in the fourth quarter, took a hit from defensive back Christian Gonzalez and left the field on a cart.
- Oct 23, 2026In seven games this season Kmet had 10 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown, and became just the second tight end in franchise history to top 3,000 career receiving yards, joining Mike Ditka.
Key terms
- Reserve/Injured
- A designation in North American pro sports leagues for athletes who are injured and unable to play.
- tight end
- An offensive position in American and Canadian football combining blocking and receiving roles, lined up tight to the offensive line.
- practice squad
- A group of players signed by a gridiron football team but not on the main roster, used for practice and player development.
Source: Wikipedia