Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles described tight end Colston Loveland as “Idaho tough.” Loveland played high school football in Gooding, Idaho, and used to put up fences in his home state before playing football for the Michigan Wolverines.
While the Bears hope Loveland can show his toughness on the field in the upcoming season, the No. 10 pick on Thursday night is recovering from an AC joint (shoulder) injury that ended his season two games early in 2024.
Loveland’s recovery timeline will be something to keep an eye on this spring and summer because it appears to have changed from what his doctor wrote in February.
Colston Loveland had surgery in January
Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams already making impression on Colston Loveland 2Colston Loveland at the NFL scouting combine – Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dr. Neal Elattrache wrote during the scouting combine that Loveland had successful surgery on Jan. 29 to repair the AC joint dislocation.
“I anticipate that he will be able to run, sprint, and run pass patterns without contact by mini-camp and that he will be cleared for team drills and unrestricted football activities by the 2025 NFL preseason camp,” Elattrache wrote.
In a letter sent today to all 32 teams, Dr. Neal Elattrache wrote that he expects Michigan TE and projected first-round pick Colston Loveland to be ready to participate in minicamp and fully cleared for training camp despite undergoing surgery on his right shoulder last month. pic.twitter.com/8DN8Cz9e37
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 25, 2025
It’s unclear if Loveland will participate in the Bears’ rookie minicamp in May. Poles didn’t talk about the injury on Thursday night, but Bears senior director of player personnel Jeff King said the Bears felt good about Loveland’s availability for training camp.
That wasn’t the most reassuring comment the Bears could give.
Loveland not expected for Chicago Bears OTAs
NCAA Football: Michigan at WashingtonOct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) catches a touchdown pass against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Per former Bears scout Greg Gabriel, Loveland isn’t expected to participate in OTAs this spring.
“Loveland is coming off a shoulder surgery and won’t participate in OTA’s, he should be ready for the start of camp,” Gabriel posted on X.
Loveland is coming off a shoulder surgery and won’t participate in OTA’s, he should be ready for the start of camp
— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) April 25, 2025
The Bears had uncertainty about offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie’s return from a quadriceps injury after they prematurely reached for him in the third round of last year’s draft. He was expected to be healthy by the start of training camp but could not practice until Aug 22, something that was necessary to get the rookie up to speed before learning during the regular season.
The Bears’ offensive line suffered because Amegadjie’s delay in returning to the practice field. When he came onto the field because of injuries to the offensive line, Amegadjie looked unprepared and allowed defensive ends to blow by him.
Hopefully, Loveland will not be a repeat this year.
Syndication: Detroit Free PressMichigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) makes a catch against Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage (5) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. :© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.
