With a lack of production so far this season, the Chicago Bears are hoping to get Colston Loveland more involved in the offense.
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LAKE FOREST, Ill., — Through two games so far this season, veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond leads the Chicago Bears in targets, receptions and receiving yards. Despite having weapons like Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Rome Odunze, it's been players like Raymond, Cole Kmet and Sam Roush who have been getting targets.
For Loveland, the tight end has just one reception and three targets so far this season, something that people would have called you crazy for thinking this past offseason. The tight end was a candidate for a breakout second season here in 2026, but it's off to a very slow start.
Through two weeks, the two games have also been very different in flow and the opponent. The Bears were able to put up 59 points against Carolina, and Ben Johnson said there were opportunities for Loveland. Against Minnesota, however, there weren't as many.
"No, we had plenty of opportunities against Carolina, just couldn't quite feed them the way we wanted to," Johnson said. "And then I alluded to this last year when we played Minnesota game one that at times going against that defense, they can maybe make it challenging to distribute the ball the way you'd like. And so I think week one last year when we played Minnesota's defense, they didn't get a whole lot of targets. Well, completely different game the second time we played them, and then tight ends, I think, led the charge that week."
For Loveland, it can be frustrating not seeing the production be there early on. But there are other ways he can impact the game, including blocking for the running backs and being a decoy if needed.
"Yeah, man, I think obviously we want the ball. Everyone in here wants the ball. We're here for a reason and we want to make plays and help our team win," Loveland said on Wednesday. "But there are other ways to make plays on the ground in the run game. I'm just doing what I'm asked, and like we were talking about, there's going to be opportunities, so I just gotta take full advantage when it arises."
At times last season, the Bears were able to use Loveland as a mismatch down the field. He was a tough cover for linebackers and even some defensive backs. So far, the Bears haven't been able to exploit that. Could it be defenses scheming specifically for Loveland?
It's possible. He doesn't see it as that, however.
"I don't think so, man. I think I just got to win more and I think if you've watched the tape, like there's opportunities there," Loveland said. "It's kind of just whether it's pressure, it's not—things just aren't clicking, and it will eventually."
Whether it's Loveland, Odunze, Burden or anyone else, Johnson wants to get everyone involved. We know what the Bears can do when their weapons get the football, as it can lead to more explosive plays on offense. It's just a matter of executing now.
"All of our pass catchers, all of our skill players, everybody that we're anticipating to be active, has plays on that game plan," Johnson said. "Some more than others, but we're actively looking to get everybody involved."
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