Coach Ben Johnson's Chicago Bears scored one of the biggest wins of the NFL season so far in Week 7 action, going into Gillette Stadium and beating the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots 30-24 on a day when tight end Cole Kmet was carted off the field. Quarterback Caleb Williams poured his heart out in support of Kmet but things took a turn for the worse a day after as news was announced.

NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news that Kmet is headed to injured reserve. He will miss a minimum of four games after suffering a serious injury to his right knee, and will likely miss far more time than that.

Johnson commented on the news in an emotional fashion a day after the game.

“He's a big part of our heartbeat. It stinks. I hate it.”

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Kmet had three catches for 28 yards on three targets as part of a big 308-yard, two touchdown performance from Williams. Fellow tight end Colston Loveland had seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown and will be tasked with replacing Kmet's product going forward, along with a deep cast of pass catchers.

Williams is showing himself to be a leader, hitting a franchise mark not seen since 2018. He will be tasked with leading the offense, and the team, going forward while Kmet watches from afar. The Bears are a young team without as much veteran influence as others in the NFC North Division, which amplifies the loss of their veteran leader at tight end. Johnson's team has a lot of growing up to do if they hope to contend for a Super Bowl appearance, but they appear to be maturing at a rapid rate and will play for Kmet going forward.