Rather than have dinner with front office and coaches, Caleb Williams went to dinner with some key Bears veterans during his Top 30 visit.
Caleb Williams will officially become a member of the Chicago Bears this week. It’s been all but official for the past few weeks, where Chicago has been preparing for the start of the Williams era.
After trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers last month, the Bears have made no effort to hide their intentions with Williams. They’ve spent extensive time with the future No. 1 pick between Los Angeles (pro day) and Chicago (Top 30 visit). That included getting to meet some of his future teammates.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided new details from Williams’ dinner at Sophia Steak in Lake Forest during his Top 30 visit, where he attended with Bears veterans rather than the front office and coaches.
When Caleb Williams visited Chicago in early April, the Bears did something smart. Rather than have Williams go to dinner with their front office and coaches, they sent him to dinner with team leaders Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, T.J. Edwards and others. The thinking was, those are some of the team’s most respected players, the players who others listen to, and this group then would be able to tell the other players what they were getting in Williams, who is likely to be the No. 1 overall pick.
Originally, the indication is Williams attended with both front office staff, coaches and players. But it appears the front office and coaches went to a dinner with other Top 30 guests while Williams got a head start building relationships with some of his future teammates and team leaders in DJ Moore, Cole Kmet and T.J. Edwards.
Williams has impressed every step of the way during the pre-draft process, where he’s made strong impressions on general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus and supposedly Bears veterans. Now, the only thing left is for Chicago to submit the card on Thursday night.
Cole Kmet joined CHGO Bears on Monday and revealed Matt Eberflus went out of his way to let him know about the Justin Fields trade.
When the news came out that the Chicago Bears had traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it spread like wildfire. Instant reactions were hitting social media, many of them filled with emotions that the Fields era was officially over in Chicago. Though a trade was expected to happen at some point, the news still rocked the Bears fanbase. When it came to the players, however, it sounds like the Bears made sure to give some of them a heads up.
Bears tight end Cole Kmet joined the CHGO Bears show on Monday afternoon, and the first topic of discussion, naturally, was the Fields trade. Kmet shared his feelings on the move while recapping his St. Patrick’s Day weekend, which included a polar plunge with the Illinois Special Olympics, and revealed he actually found out about the trade from his head coach after the event. “I was planning to then hit the city and go out, but then got a call from “Flus” and the people with the Bears and decided to stay in after the news with Justin,” Kmet said.
Kmet didn’t disclose their conversation but was appreciative of being kept in the loop, even though he wasn’t expecting it. “I don’t expect them to call me for those types of things, but it’s always nice when they do reach out,” Kmet said. “I think that’s a classy move by them to kind of let guys who have been with Justin and are close with Justin to let them know about the decision and why they made the decision. I’m definitely grateful they did that, and it’s not something they have to do by any means.”
It’s unclear who else the Bears reached out to, but other players like DJ Moore, Khalil Herbert, and Teven Jenkins are all possibilities given their connection and friendship with Fields. As far as Kmet goes, he flourished during the last two seasons with Fields. The two established a great connection as Kmet totaled 123 receptions, 1,263 yards, and 13 touchdowns since the start of the 2022 season.
Now, Kmet will look to build a rapport with a new quarterback this coming training camp, but he reiterates that it’s an exciting time for the organization. “We want this thing to work. This thing is ready to take off, here,” Kmet said. “We’ve been adding pieces over the last couple of years, and we’re finally at a point where we can really be a dangerous team, not only in our division but in the rest of the NFC and in the NFL.”
Bears TE Cole Kmet broke his right forearm in the season finale vs. Packers – which he played through – and is expected to be cleared soon.
With Super Bowl LVIII week in full swing, there are plenty of familiar Chicago Bears faces in Las Vegas on Radio Row.
That includes tight end Cole Kmet, who met with some local Chicago of media sporting a brace on his right forearm. As it turns out, Kmet fractured his right forearm in the Bears’ season finale against the Green Bay Packers — and he kept playing because he didn’t realize it.
Kmet’s injury didn’t require surgery, and he’s expected to be cleared soon, he told reporters. Kmet said it won’t impact his offseason.
Bears TE Cole Kmet has a broke his right forearm in the season finale (didn’t realize and kept playing anyway) and has a brace on it. He says he’ll be cleared soon and it won’t hinder his offseason at all. pic.twitter.com/UgD2ByEPtI
Kmet is coming off a career year with the Bears, where he emerged as one of the NFL’s best tight ends. He ranked seventh in receptions (73), ninth in receiving yards (719) and second in touchdowns (6) among tight ends. Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million extension before the start of the 2023 season, so Chicago has him locked down through 2027.
Despite battling a knee injury in the final weeks — and that fractured forearm against Green Bay — Kmet has yet to miss a game in his four-year career.
As the Bears look to play spoiler to the Packers, they’re expected to have Khalil Herbert and Cole Kmet in the lineup.
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for their regular season finale against the hated Green Bay Packers, where they’re looking to end the year on a high note.
The Bears are looking to snap a nine-game losing streak against the Packers, while also keeping their arch-rivals out of the postseason. The good news is they’ll have two important offensive players ready to go.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, running back Khalil Herbert and tight end Cole Kmet are expected to play against the Packers. Herbert is nursing a back injury while Kmet has been dealing with a knee injury.
#Bears RB Khalil Herbert (back) and TE Cole Kmet (knee) are both listed as questionable and both expected to go today, sources say. As Chicago tries to play spoiler.
Kmet has had a career year with the Bears, where he has 70 catches for 678 yards and six touchdowns. He’s been one of quarterback Justin Fields’ most dependable weapons, and he’ll be key in this passing game.
Meanwhile, Herbert is coming off back-to-back 100-yard rushing games, and he’ll be a big part of their offensive gameplan as Chicago looks to play spoiler to Green Bay.
The Bears and Packers kick things off at 3:25 p.m. on CBS.
Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 18 injury report following Thursday’s practice:
The Chicago Bears (7-9) released their second injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers (8-8).
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was once again sidelined with a shoulder injury, although he insists that he “100 percent” expects to play against the Packers on Sunday.
Tight end Cole Kmet, who’s been dealing with a knee injury, returned to practice in limited fashion after missing Wednesday’s practice.
Elsewhere, long snapper Patrick Scales is dealing with a foot injury, wide receiver Darnell Mooney remains in concussion protocol and quarterback Tyson Bagent is dealing with an illness.
Wide receiver DJ Moore (ankle) and running back Khalil Herbert (back) was also limited on Thursday.
Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Packers (TBA) after Thursday’s practices:
Chicago Bears
Player
Injury
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Game Status
QB Tyson Bagent
illness
DNP
DNP
RB Khalil Herbert
back
—
LP
CB Jaylon Johnson
shoulder
DNP
DNP
TE Cole Kmet
knee
DNP
LP
TE Marcedes Lewis
rest
—
DNP
WR Darnell Mooney
concussion
DNP
DNP
WR DJ Moore
ankle
LP
LP
LS Patrick Scales
foot
DNP
DNP
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
Green Bay Packers
Player
Injury
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Game Status
CB Jaire Alexander
shoulder
FP
FP
S Zayne Anderson
knee
LP
FP
LB De’Vondre Campbell
neck
FP
FP
RB AJ Dillon
thumb/neck
DNP
DNP
S Rudy Ford
hamstring
DNP
DNP
OL Elgton Jenkins
knee/ankle
DNP
DNP
RB Aaron Jones
knee/finger
LP
LP
LB Isaiah McDuffie
concussion/neck
DNP
DNP
TE Luke Musgrave**
kidney
LP
LP
OL Josh Myers
neck
LP
FP
CB Keisean Nixon
quadricep
LP
FP
S Jonathan Owens
knee
LP
LP
WR Jayden Reed
chest
LP
LP
S Darnell Savage
shoulder
FP
FP
DL T.J. Slaton
knee/foot
LP
LP
LB Preston Smith
ankle
DNP
DNP
OL Luke Tenuta**
ankle
FP
FP
LB Quay Walker
shoulder
LP
FP
WR Christian Watson
hamstring
LP
LP
WR Dontayvion Wicks
chest
LP
FP
RB Emanuel Wilson**
shoulder
FP
FP
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
The Bears are expected to have one of their top offensive weapons in Cole Kmet (knee) against the Falcons.
The Chicago Bears are expected to have one of their top offensive weapons available when they host the Atlanta Falcons in their home finale Sunday.
Tight end Cole Kmet, who’s been nursing a knee injury suffered in last Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, only practice in limited fashion on Friday and was dubbed questionable against the Falcons. But according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Kmet is expected to suit up against Atlanta.
That’s huge news for Chicago’s offense, who will be without wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who has a concussion. Justin Fields will have one of his top weapons, alongside wide receiver DJ Moore, at his disposal against a talented Falcons defense.
#Bears TE Cole Kmet (knee) is listed as questionable and only practiced on Friday, but he is expected to play today against the #Falcons, source said.
Kmet, who signed a four-year contract extension last offseason, has been having a career year with Chicago. In 15 games, Kmet has career highs in catches (70) and yards (678) and his six touchdowns is just one shy from tying his career-best from last season.
PK Dustin Hopkins – Hamstring
QB Trevor Lawrence – Shoulder
WR Jaylen Waddle – Shin
WR DJ Moore – Leg
WR Dontayvion Wicks – Chest
WR Jordan Addison – Ankle
WR Courtland Sutton – Head
TE T.J. Hockenson – Knee
TE Tucker Kraft –
TE Cole Kmet – Knee
Chasing Ambulances
QB Trevor Lawrence – The Jaguars quarterback was questionable last week, returning from a concussion and ankle injury but was active and did not appear limited. Until he injured his shoulder and missed the rest of the game. He’ll get tests on Monday to determine the extent of the injury but he took himself out of the game because of the pain. He has never missed a game, but will be replaced by C.J. Beathard.
WR Jaylen Waddle – Injured his shin on an end-around against the Cowboys and never returned to the field. He was limping significantly at the time but the diagnosis will happen on Monday. The Fins play at the Ravens this week and need all hands on deck for a game that likely determines the No. 1 seed.
WR DJ Moore – He said that he aggravated the ankle injury from a few weeks ago. He did return to the game and caught three of his six targets for only 18 yards in the win over the Cardinals. He’ll need to be tracked in practice this week to make sure he won’t be limited this week in Philly.
WR Jordan Addison – Injured his ankle when he collided with a teammate after an interception.
TE T.J. Hockenson – Injured his knee when a defender tackled him low. Both Viking receivers will be examined more on Monday to determine the extent of their injuries but HC Kevin O’Connell was asked if any of them were serious and he said, “I believe so.” We’ll see what their status is later in the week but the Vikings can ill afford to lose either.
WR Courtland Sutton – The Broncos star wideout has entered the concussion protocol after a hard hit against the Patriots. He left before he caught a pass and never returned. He’s been their difference-maker this year, so his health will be closely tracked to see if he can play against the Chargers this week.
TE Cole Kmet – He was already in the middle of a career-best game with 107 yards in the first half, when the Bears tight end left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and was downgraded to out. HC Matt Eberflus reported that Kmet’s injury “looks positive.” More news should be known later this week.
Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables
QBNick Mullens – First start was 303 yards and two scores at the Bengals, then this week he threw for 411 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll be an option next week against the Packers but he also threw four interceptions and both Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson were injured, so make sure of their status before grabbing Mullens for the week.
RB Najee Harris – The usage of Harris has always varied and Jaylen Warren has often been talked up as the better back and more deserving of a primary role. But Week 16 saw Harris with a season-high 19 carries for 78 yards and a score in the win over the Bengals. Warren only carried eight times for 24 yards but added five catches for the second straight week. Both are signed through next year.
WR George Pickens – The Steelers No. 1 wideout has disappointed for the last two months while Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky took turns not throwing the ball well or in the area of Pickens. First week with Mason Rudolph and Pickens responds with a season-best four catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He was criticized last week for apparently giving up on plays. Something clicked because his previous meeting with the Bengals was only a month prior and he only managed three catches for 58 yards in it.
QB Josh Allen – The Bills have won their last three games, but Allen threw for just 94 yards and a score against the Cowboys, then 237 yards and one score versus the Chargers and their paper doll defense. He runs in a score weekly, but the offense is changing in Buffalo – just ask the player formerly known as Stefon Diggs.
TE Kyle Pitts – He’s been a shell of what he was as a rookie, but he is turning in around 50 yards per week and scored in two of the last three games. The Falcons may undergo change in the offseason that will impact Pitts, but he is improving just enough to end the season on a higher note.
RB Aaron Jones – He’s signed through next year when he turns 30, so it is notable that he’s finally healthy this season and just ran for a season-best 127 yards on 21 carries. He’s not done much as a receiver with Jordan Love, but he just had far more carries than his other 2023 games.
QB Bryce Young – His rookie season hasn’t been impressive and he’s been compared to C.J. Stroud in an unflattering light this year. But, he’s just thrown his first 300-yard game with 312 yards and two scores in the close loss to the Packers. D.J. Chark (6-98, 2 TD) and Adam Thielen (6-94) both were fantasy-relevant this week.
WR Amari Cooper – He just set a personal record with 265 yards on 11 catches with two scores versus the Texans. Not sure what is more impressive – that monster game or the fact that 16 other players have gained even more in a game. Six had 300 yards, and I do remember when Flipper Anderson set the record with 15 receptions for 336 yards in 1989 against the Saints in overtime.
Huddle player of the week
Syndication: The Record
Breece Hall – He’s suffered behind a terrible offensive line that has worsened. And he plays with the worst passing offense in the NFL. So he’s more than remarkable this week with 20 carries for 95 yards and two touchdowns, plus 12 catches for 96 yards in the win over the Commanders.
Salute!
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry
Cole Kmet suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s win against the Cardinals. While it looks positive, the Bears have to wait and see tomorrow.
The Chicago Bears kicked off the holidays with a win against the Arizona Cardinals, but it didn’t come without a cost.
Tight end Cole Kmet suffered a knee injury early in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, and he didn’t return. Head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters after the game that Kmet’s injury “looks positive,” although the Bears will have to wait and see Monday.
Kmet’s injury was a huge blow to Chicago’s offense, which had an explosive first half against Arizona. Kmet had four catches for a career-high 107 yards — and even though he missed most of the second half, he still led the Bears in receiving.
Kmet has been a valuable asset to Chicago’s passing offense, where he’s been one of the few dependable weapons for quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears inked Kmet to a four-year contract extension last summer, and he’s proving to be worth every penny.
With two games left this season, Kmet is already having a career year. He already has a career-high 66 receptions for 678 yards. His six touchdowns are just one shy from tying his career-best seven scores from 2022.
Marcedes Lewis caught a touchdown for the Chicago Bears. It’s a Christmas miracle.
39-year old Marcedes Lewis caught a touchdown for the Chicago Bears. It’s a Christmas miracle.
The Bears are pouring it on the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Eve and scored their third touchdown of the day, a dart from Justin Fields to Lewis in the back of the end zone. Fields bought time in the pocket, allowing Lewis to peel off his defender for the easy score.
This is Lewis’ first touchdown of his 18th season in the league. The score was set up thanks to another big connection from Fields to tight end Cole Kmet, who has his first 100-yard receiving game of his career while dealing with a quad injury.
Near the end of the first half, the Bears lead the Cardinals 21-7.
Move over, Santa Claus. Justin Fields is the one delivering presents to Chicago Bears fans this Christmas Eve.
Move over, Santa Claus. Justin Fields is the one delivering presents to Chicago Bears fans this Christmas Eve. The Bears quarterback got the scoring started against the Arizona Cardinals with a three-yard touchdown run to put the Bears up 7-0. Fields dropped back to pass, and when he didn’t find anyone open, he took it upon himself to get into the end zone.
The scoring drive was set up thanks to a big connection from Fields to tight end Cole Kmet. Fields scrambled and threw up a heave to Kmet, who came down with the 53-yard catch, the longest reception of his career. With DJ Moore banged up on the first drive, the Bears offense needed to adjust, and they were successful.
Near the end of the first quarter, the Bears lead Arizona 7-0.
