Cole Kmet is out for the season. The Bears tight end suffered a right knee injury in Thursday night's 30-24 win over New England, was carted off after an 8-yard catch with about 5:40 left, and coach Ben Johnson confirmed Friday that the injury is season-ending. Kmet goes to injured reserve.

Kmet had 3 catches for 28 yards in the game before he went down. He is the Bears' starting tight end and one of the steadiest pieces of a 5-2 team that just won a primetime duel against Drake Maye and the Patriots.

Chicago does not replace a starting tight end with one move. The middle of the field matters more in December, when the weather turns and the games get tighter, and the Bears will need their depth at the position to hold up for the rest of the season.

The Bears are 5-2 and in the middle of the NFC race. This is the kind of bill that comes due late in the year, and Chicago just got handed it in a game it won.

Fantasy fallout from the Kmet injury, including who benefits in Chicago, is covered in today's standalone fantasy football article.

Key Facts

  • Injury: Cole Kmet, right knee, season-ending, to injured reserve
  • When: Thursday night vs New England, hurt on an 8-yard catch with about 5:40 left
  • Game line: 3 catches for 28 yards before leaving
  • Team: Bears 5-2 after the 30-24 win over the Patriots

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