Bears Could Be Without Top Red Zone Threat Week 8 vs. Ravens
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What does Cole Kmet's back injury mean for the Bears as they prepare to face the Ravens?
Cole Kmet has been one of the most durable players to wear a Chicago Bears uniform in recent years.
Since the Bears drafted him in the second round in 2020, the 26-year-old tight end has been a fixture on offense, and has suited up for 90 out of a possible 90 games in his 5+ NFL seasons.
That’s why it’s no small thing the veteran hobbled off the field against the New Orleans Saints Week 7 with a back injury. Kmet left in the third quarter of Chicago’s 27–20 win and was quickly ruled doubtful to return.
“Kmet has played in 90 consecutive games, and I’ve always maintained that tight end is one of the positions where it’s difficult for players to remain healthy, especially over a long stretch,” Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote on October 20.
“Why? They’re asked to block guys bigger than them in the running game, where bodies get tangled up. Then they’re exposed to hits from faster defenders when they’re running routes. Occasionally they can get targeted by a defender who is a missile.”
Cole Kmet Injury Update: Will Back Issue Prevent Chicago Bears TE From Playing vs. Ravens Week 8?
GettyWill Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet play Week 8 vs. the Baltimore Ravens after injuring his back?
Over his career, Kmet has racked up 267 catches for 2,724 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s evolved from a rookie who caught just 28 passes in 2020 into one of the more dependable all-around tight ends in the NFC.
His breakout came in 2022 when he hauled in seven touchdowns, and he followed it up with a career-best 73 catches for 719 yards and six scores in 2023. Through seven weeks of 2025, he’s at nine receptions for 132 yards and a score.
As it stands, Kmet’s status for Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens.
“We’ll find out more on Wednesday for sure, but we’re thinking more day-to-day or week-to-week right now,” Johnson said on Monday.
Chicago’s offensive identity under new head coach Ben Johnson has been built around versatility and balance, with Kmet and rookie tight end Colston Loveland often on the field together. Johnson’s system leans heavily on 12 personnel, using both tight ends to disguise plays and open up mismatches.
If Kmet can’t go Sunday, Loveland — the No. 10 overall pick in April — has shown flashes as a blocker and receiver, but he’s still finding his footing in the NFL. A bigger workload would mean more responsibility in both the passing game and the run game, and it would force veteran Durham Smythe into a larger blocking role.
Kmet Has Been Favorite Red Zone Target for QB Caleb Williams
The red zone is where the Bears could feel Kemt’s absence the most if he doesn’t play Week 8. Over the last two seasons, the TE has been one of Caleb Williams’ most trusted targets near the goal line, hauling in five touchdowns in that span. His size, body control and chemistry with the quarterback make him a difficult matchup for safeties and linebackers. Without him, the Bears might have to rely more on their receivers winning one-on-one matchups on the outside.
Beyond the numbers, Kmet’s impact shows up in ways that don’t make the box score. He’s one of the team’s best help blockers against edge rushers, which has been key in keeping Williams upright.
If Kmet can suit up in Baltimore, the Bears will have the full range of their offense at their disposal. Biggs also noted that Kmet hurt his ankle inn training camp, and was spotted in a walking boot. He wound up practicing a day after wearing the boot, so we’ll see how it goes this week.
Breaking News: Denver Broncos Shock NFL World with Historic 33-Point Comeback, But Are They For Real?
In a game that will be etched into the annals of NFL history, the Denver Broncos pulled off an electrifying 33-point comeback in the final 15 minutes of their Week 7 clash against the New York Giants. The Broncos, trailing for most of the game, surged in the fourth quarter to claim a stunning 33-32 victory. This remarkable display of grit has NFL fans and analysts alike questioning: Is this the real Denver Broncos, or was this just a fluke?
The Comeback of the Season
As the fourth quarter began, it seemed like the Giants had control, with a 32-20 lead. But in a turn of events that left fans in disbelief, the Broncos delivered an offensive explosion that has only been seen in the league’s most dramatic moments. Quarterback Bo Nix, who has been performing at an elite level this season, led his team on an unforgettable scoring spree. With precision passes and an unyielding offensive line, Nix showcased why he's one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the league.
“We just need one more breakthrough, and the whole league will have to start seeing us differently. 33 points in the last 15 minutes isn’t a fluke—it's a warning to every opponent,”
While the Broncos’ offense certainly stole the spotlight, the defense deserves a mention as well. Though they struggled for much of the game, they came up big when it mattered most, forcing the Giants into critical mistakes that turned the tide. The Broncos' defense, now ranked in the top 10 for the season, might be starting to find its rhythm as they prepare for a tough stretch of games ahead.
Can They Sustain This Level of Play?
While the Broncos' late-game heroics are nothing short of impressive, questions still linger. Can they continue this level of play for an entire game? The Broncos have shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has plagued them in previous weeks. Their early-game struggles put them in a hole that they were lucky to climb out of this time.
In the first three quarters, their offense sputtered, with missed opportunities and turnovers. However, once the pressure was on, the Broncos looked like a completely different team. With Nix showing no signs of slowing down and the defense holding firm in the crunch, it’s clear that they have the potential to make a deep playoff run.
But the Broncos' path won't be easy. Their next matchup against the Dallas Cowboys could be a defining moment for the team. If they can put together a complete game—one that includes consistency from the start—they may very well prove that their late-game theatrics are no fluke.
Looking Ahead
As the Broncos prepare for Week 8, they find themselves in a much stronger position than many expected. Their comeback against the Giants not only put them at 5-2 but also solidified their place as a top contender in the AFC. The question now isn’t whether they can be great for a quarter or two, but whether they can sustain greatness for an entire game.
“Every yard we've gained this season has led to this moment, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next,” Nix said confidently, hinting at the big goals the team has set for the rest of the season.
As the NFL world watches, the Broncos are more than just a team to watch—they're a statement. Whether or not they can continue to play with this level of intensity and precision remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Denver Broncos are no longer a team anyone can overlook.
