Colston Loveland
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Get the latest on TE Colston Loveland as he prepares for training camp with the Chicago Bears after his shoulder surgery.
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland has yet to participate in a padded practice for the Chicago Bears, but he should be good to go when rookies report to training camp on July 19.
Loveland, the Bears’ No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is projected to become a focal point in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s offense, but he suffered a significant shoulder injury during his final collegiate season in 2024, a Type V AC‑joint separation. After his season with Michigan concluded, he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum and reconstruct the joint capsule.
His subsequent recovery has limited his ability to participate in anything too physical, but he has been taking mental reps, and, judging by his July 3 Instagram post, he has been getting his workouts in. Loveland shared a series of photos of himself on the practice field, and in one sans shirt, he looks absolutely shredded.
You can check them out below.
Bears TE Colston Loveland Looking Shredded Despite Recovering From College Injury
Loveland is fresh from a standout three-year tenure (2022–2024) at the University of Michigan. Arriving as a true freshman, he played in 14 games, recording 16 catches for 235 yards and two touchdowns—one of which was a clutch 45‑yard score against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship. He blossomed in 2023, starting 15 games and hauling in 45 passes for 649 yards and four touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors as Michigan won the national title.
During his junior season in 2024, Loveland cemented his place as one of the NCAA’s top tight ends. He topped Michigan’s single-season record for receptions by a TE with 56 catches, adding 582 yards and five scores in just 10 games. He was named a finalist for the prestigious John Mackey Award, also earning Second-Team All-American and All-Big Ten honors. By the end of his collegiate career, he had amassed 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 TDs.
Loveland’s physical traits greatly contributed to his on-field success. At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, he has rare height and length that make him a mismatch in the seam and red zone. Scouts lauded him for his combination of size, smooth route-running, acceleration, and ability to create separation, likening him to a big-bodied wide receiver with reliable hands. He should flourish in Johnson’s offense if and when he’s healthy.
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GettyBears tight end Colston Loveland is looking absolutely shredded heading into camp.
Loveland’s rehab has been methodical and steady. So far, he has stayed fully on schedule with a six-month recovery timeline. Chicago’s coaching staff—and Loveland himself—have emphasized his continued involvement in film study, classroom installs and mental reps, even while he remained in a red non-contact jersey during OTAs.
By mid-May, during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, held from June 3–5, Loveland remained present but did not participate in on-field drills due to ongoing rehab. Still, evaluations from staff indicate optimism. Johnson expects him to be ready for training camp, as Loveland looks to have regained his strength and range of motion. Still, Johnson has yet to say whether the rookie TE will be at full strength when camp hits.
The Bears have been careful not to rush him back, as he’s one of their most prized young assets on offense. Still, Bears Nation is excited to finally see him in action, as he should be a genuine difference-maker.