Despite their rookie QB, Caleb Williams, flashing some of his potential last season, the Bears stumbled big. In hopes of turning their fortunes around, the team replaced HC Matt Eberflus with the offensive guru behind the Detroit Lions’ high-powered attack– Ben Johnson. And with his name, it’s clear that the plays will be TE-focused and offense-heavy. The mindset only got highlighted when the Bears went for Colston Loveland as the first TE off of the 2025 NFL Draft list at 10th overall. But there was one huge question looming– Loveland is in rehabilitation.

Last September, the TE suffered a Type V AC Joint dislocation which he got reconstructed in January with his surgeon Dr. Neal Elattrache giving him a six-month recovery period. Still, Johnson went for the Michigan threat after Cole Kmet recorded only 47 catches for 474 yards and four TDs last season– his lowest performance since his rookie campaign. Of course, giving the franchise QB another option wasn’t just a requirement but an urgency. So, while Loveland did not suit up for any on-field impact training, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported, “he made an appearance in uniform on the final day of mandatory minicamp.” But he has been at work.

Light workouts and running usually were the only physical activities for the rehabilitating TE as he watched his fellow TEs and other rookies get their first exposure to coach Ben Johnson’s offense. Off the field, he’s been deep in the playbooks and creating the connection with his teammates. And as of the latest, he believes his right shoulder feels “100%.” But when NBC Chicago’s Mike Berman asked him if he will be on the field as the camps begin, his ambiguous answer was a “TBD.” And that in itself can be a problem for Caleb Williams, looking for his impactful second year according to Bears on CHSN’s David Haugh and Camron Smith.

In their latest discussion, Smith reported, “According to Mike Berman at NBC, ‘Loveland said that his shoulder is 100% but didn’t say whether he’ll be on the field next week.’ So when you hear that, David, what’s the concern level that you have right now with Colston Loveland?”

Without mincing his word, Haugh responded, “It’s growing. Because until he’s on the field, he’s not. And I think availability is the biggest concern right now. I’ve got the guy healthy, catching 70 passes and being the second or third option in this Ben Johnson offense. So, I think, he’s got to be on the field. There are gonna be questions until he removes this doubt and the only way he can do that is get on the field during practice in camp.”

Smith added his part, stating, “And my concern with Loveland is, with this injury, will it be recurring? For a young guy, who of course, has to have his body translate to a higher power in the NFL and taking these hits at his position, is that a concern for you moving forward?” Haugh plainly repeated, “I think until he removes those doubts, all those things are valid concerns. I think that’s the biggest question looming over Bears training camp.”

With rookies reporting this Saturday and veterans arriving next Tuesday, the clock is ticking for Johnson and his crew. The Bears still have three unsigned draft picks (including potential Williams target Luther Burden III), but none loom larger than Loveland’s situation. This isn’t just about a TE’s health. It’s about whether Caleb Williams gets the security blanket he needs to silence the doubters.

The Bears surprised a lot of people when they picked Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 in the draft. It wasn’t that he didn’t deserve to go that high; it’s just that most thought Chicago would go after help on the offensive or defensive line first. But new head coach Ben Johnson clearly sees things differently.

He’s putting a real focus on the tight end position. And Loveland? He’s built to deliver. He’s a big, reliable target over the middle for second-year QB Caleb Williams, especially on key third-down plays. His route-running is sharp, and his hands are top-tier. Tight end is usually a tough spot for rookies to adjust to, but Loveland’s time in Michigan’s pro-style system might give him a head start. But his injury has definitely brought a serious concern for the team and Williams because up in Green Bay, they’re already circling the calendar.

Caleb Williams wakes a sleeping rivalry

The Bears-Packers rivalry stands as the NFL’s most-played series, dating back to 1921 when the Decatur Staleys defeated the Packers 20-0. Chicago dominated the early decades, building a commanding 24-game series lead by 1992. Then the tide turned dramatically when Green Bay acquired Brett Favre that same year. Since 1992, the Packers have won 42 of the last 62 meetings, taking a 108-96-6 all-time series lead.

This historical context makes Chicago‘s January 5, 2025, performance at Lambeau Field particularly significant. In the season finale, with both teams’ playoff fates already decided, Caleb Williams faced a Packers defense resting several starters. But the moment still mattered. Trailing 22-17 in the fourth quarter, the rookie QB pieced together a 12-play, 68-yard drive that showed why Bears fans have hope. His 11-yard bullet to DJ Moore with 2:14 left put Chicago ahead 24-22, a lead they’d protect when Green Bay’s last-second field goal missed wide right.

The significance of that win became clearer this offseason when Williams appeared at Fanatics Fest in June. When asked about his most negative NFL fan experience, the QB didn’t hesitate: Packers fans? “I mean, they s—. After the game, after we won at Lambeau — 1-0 at Lambeauhey s—.” That comment lingered in Green Bay’s locker room until Packers tackle Rasheed Walker addressed it on Good Morning Football: “They got lucky. We’re gonna remember he said that.”

Funny how one win can change the feel of a century-old rivalry. That January afternoon at Lambeau didn’t rewrite history – the Packers still own the last three decades. But it did something more important: It gave Chicago something to build on. Walker’s response proves Green Bay noticed, too. For the first time since the Cutler-Rodgers days, both teams now have QBs who’ll likely face each other twice a year for the next decade. That’s good for football. Even better for a rivalry that’s been waiting for its next great chapter.

When these teams meet again in Week 14 back at Lambeau, we’ll see if January was a turning point or just another tease. But after years of predictable outcomes, Bears-Packers finally feels like must-watch football again. And really, that’s all either fanbase ever wanted – games where the result isn’t decided before the opening kickoff. However, a lot of things hang in the air, especially Loveland’s return.