Bears' Cole Kmet likely faces a season-ending knee injury

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is believed to have suffered a serious knee injury that will likely end his season, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport posted Friday morning. Kmet was undergoing tests Friday, and Rapoport noted there is no finality until those results come back.

What is confirmed

Kmet hurt his right knee in the fourth quarter of Thursday night's 30-24 win over New England. He was tackled along the sideline after an 8-yard catch, was carted to the locker room and was ruled out shortly after. He finished with three catches for 28 yards, per the Chicago Sun-Times.

Ben Johnson did not offer a diagnosis after the game, but he did not sound hopeful. "We'll know more about it tomorrow, but I don't think it looked very good," Johnson said, per ProFootballTalk and the Sun-Times.

What is still unconfirmed

The season-ending outlook comes from Rapoport's sourcing, not from the team. The Bears have not announced a diagnosis, a timeline or a roster move. NFL.com and ProFootballTalk have both picked up the same report, so treat it as one strong report until Chicago speaks.

Why it matters for RSO owners

Kmet had been used more as a blocker than a receiver this year. He entered Thursday with seven catches for 59 yards on the season, per the Sun-Times. His fantasy value was already thin, so the bigger effect is on the players around him.

Colston Loveland is the main winner. He scored a 12-yard touchdown Thursday and should now take on nearly every passing-down snap at tight end. Rookie Sam Roush figures to pick up the blocking work Kmet leaves behind, per Bears Wire.

What to do now

Kmet owners should wait for the official word before cutting him, since his contract and dead-money picture in your league matter more than his weekly points. If the Bears place him on injured reserve, move him to an IR slot if your league has one and free the roster spot.

Loveland owners should hold. Anyone shopping for a tight end should ask about Loveland now, because his price goes up once the diagnosis is official.

What to watch next

Watch for the Bears to confirm the test results and for an IR move, which would open a roster spot in Chicago. Also watch whether the team signs or promotes a tight end before its next game, and how Loveland's snap share looks with Kmet out.