CHICAGO -- Bears tight end Cole Kmet exited Chicago's 30-24 win over the New England Patriots on Thursday night on a cart because of an injury to his right knee.
With 5:46 to play in the fourth quarter, Kmet caught an 8-yard pass from Caleb Williams and took a hard hit while running up the Bears' sideline. The tight end collided with Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and linebacker Robert Spillane, and immediately grabbed for his knee while on the ground.
Kmet got to his feet with the help of trainers but could not put weight on his right leg. He gave the crowd at Soldier Field a thumbs-up as he was carted back to the locker room, where he was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Coach Ben Johnson said the Bears will find out more about the severity of Kmet's injury on Friday.
"I don't think it looked very good," Johnson said.
Williams had a similar response after watching Kmet leave the game with what appeared to be a serious injury.
"It was tough," Williams said. "I don't know exactly what it is and all of that, but obviously being carted off is never good. You're at least going to miss some time. I don't have the words to describe what Cole is to me, what Cole is to this team, this organization. He's the longest-tenured Bear, I believe. And so he's been through it, and it's challenging, it's tough and I'll be with him. I'll be right there with him through every step of whatever the injury is. And Cole's been there for me every step of the way through the first year, the second year and now through this year. I could only do the same for him."
Kmet finished with three catches for 28 yards. Entering Week 7, he had logged the eighth-highest snap count on offense, and he has missed only one game over his seven-year career due to injury.
"Love that guy," tight end Colston Loveland said. "We're going to miss him, for sure. I'm praying for him."