Cole Kmet: Projections| Age| Is playing today| Injury Update

Introduction

Cole Kmet is one of the more steady tight ends in the NFL, having played every game since being drafted in 2020. As the 2025 season progresses, fantasy managers and Bears fans alike are closely watching his performance trajectory, health status, and role in a changing offense. In this article, we’ll break down his age, projections, whether he’s playing today, his injury history, outlook, and key FAQs.

Who is Cole Kmet?

• Date of Birth: March 10, 1999

• Age: 26 years old (as of September 2025)

• Height / Weight: 6 ft 6 in, ~257 lbs

• College: Notre Dame (2017-2019)

• NFL Draft: 2020, Round 2, Pick 43 by the Chicago Bears

• NFL Experience: Entering his 6th season in 2025

Since entering the league, Kmet has been known for his durability (never having missed a regular season game), his reliability as a blocker, and his steady, if unspectacular, production as a pass-catcher.

Career Performance Overview

Here’s a breakdown of Kmet’s progression from his rookie season through the most recent completed season:

• 2020 (Rookie Year): 16 games, 28 receptions, 243 yards, 2 TDs

• 2021: 17 games, 60 receptions, 612 yards, 0 TDs

• 2022: 17 games, 50 receptions, 544 yards, 7 TDs — led the Bears in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs that year.

• 2023: 17 games, 73 receptions, 719 yards, 6 TDs, earning a contract extension (4 years, ~$50 million)

• 2024: 17 games, 47 receptions, 474 yards, 4 TDs — a noticeable dip from 2023

That dip in 2024 sparked questions about his target share, offensive usage, and whether the Bears’ new coaching regime might shift the TE role.

2025 Projections and Outlook

Fantasy Projections

Multiple fantasy-football sites have projected Kmet’s performance in 2025. Here are some of the notable ones:

• FantasyPros lists Kmet among projections with around 272.7 receiving yards, ~28–30 receptions, ~2.3 TDs, ~40.1 fantasy points (standard scoring) for the season.

• DraftSharks / DraftSharks Points Outlook offers a fantasy point outlook based on historical snap share, target share, and trend data.

• Razzball projects him at TE44 (standard), TE44 (half-PPR), TE45 (PPR) for the rest of the season.

• Statmuse projects ~2.5 fantasy points in his first game (vs Vikings) placing him around TE51/TE52 rank for that week.

• BleacherNation estimates ~2.4 fantasy points in Week 1 vs Vikings.

These projections reflect modest expectations — Kmet isn’t projected to be a top-tier TE, but remains valuable in deeper leagues or as a steady floor option.

Snap Share, Target Share & Role

• Kmet continues to lead Bears TEs in snap percentage historically, which gives him a baseline floor regardless of target volatility.

• That said, the Bears invested in young pass-catchers (Colston Loveland, etc.), and the new offensive scheme under coordinator Ben Johnson could reduce his target share in favor of more dynamic receivers.

• Still, his history of reliable hands (high catch rate) and blocking ability may preserve his role in two-TE sets and help him remain on the field.

Potential Upside and Risk

• Upside: If the Bears offense opens up more, or if Kmet builds chemistry with a more accurate quarterback (possibly Caleb Williams), there’s room to exceed projections. His high floor from being a sure-handed, trusted target gives him some safety.

• Risk: Competition for targets from Loveland and other pass-catchers, combined with trend decline in 2024, means he might underperform if the offense leans heavily away from tight ends. Also, any injury or unexpected limitation could drop his value sharply.

Is Cole Kmet Playing Today?

As of the latest reports:

• According to FantasyPros, Cole Kmet has a ~99% chance of playing in his upcoming game vs Vikings.

• There are no indications that he is being held out or downgraded.

• His status is listed as Active on fantasy football injury trackers.

So yes — he is expected to play in today’s game.

Injury History & Latest Updates

Career Injury History
Cole Kmet has a remarkably clean injury record:

• He has never missed a regular-season game since entering the league in 2020.

• Occasionally he’s been listed as “questionable” or “probable” for minor injuries (shoulder, groin) in the early years, but never forced to sit out.

• In 2024, he played all 17 games, though his production dipped.

2025 Training Camp / Preseason Injury Scare

• In early August 2025, reports surfaced that Kmet exited a practice early with an undisclosed injury.

• Fortunately, sources later noted that he likely avoided any serious injury.

• The Bears confirmed he returned to practice by August 8.

• There is no current listing of Kmet on any active injury report.

Outlook
Unless something unexpected develops, Kmet is healthy and ready to go. His durability remains one of his strongest assets. Cole Kmet injury update.

Factors to Watch in 2025

1. Quarterback Stability & Passing Efficiency: How consistent the Bears passing game is under their QB will affect Kmet’s volume.

2. Target Competition: With young tight ends and wideouts pushing for targets, Kmet’s share may shrink if the offense shifts more to perimeter players.

3. Offensive Scheme under Ben Johnson: A more modern, spread-oriented offense may reduce tight-end volume in some games, or could use two-TE sets more. How Johnson chooses to deploy Kmet will matter.

4. Health & Snap Rate: Kmet’s value is tied to his being on the field. Any limitation in practice or game could impact early season output.

5. Matchups: Moderate matchups against weaker secondaries or linebackers could yield higher-than-expected production. But games with stout defenses may suppress TE production league-wide. Cole Kmet injury update.

Weekly Projections Snapshot (Sample)

Here’s a hypothetical weekly projection outlook for Kmet in 2025 (based on consensus data and trend analysis):

This table is illustrative — actual performance may vary based on matchup, game script, injuries, etc.

Why Kmet Deserves Consideration in Fantasy Play

• High Floor: Because he stays healthy and plays almost all snaps, he gives a reliable floor for tight end production.

• Trust from Coaches: His blocking ability and steadiness make him a trusted option in both passing and run-heavy situations.

• Upside in Good Matchups: In matchups where defenses struggle vs TEs or in favorable game scripts, he can outperform expectations.

• Late-Round Value: In deeper leagues, Kmet is a good value as a late-round TE pick given his consistency and potential to exceed modest projections. Cole Kmet injury update.

Potential Warning Signs

• 2024 Dip: His decline in receptions and yards in 2024 suggests that his usage may be declining, especially with more competition on the roster.

• Target Sharing: Presence of other pass-catchers could limit his ceiling if the offense prioritizes other weapons.

• Scheme Risk: If the Bears offense shifts more to spread or quick-release schemes, the tight end may be used more as a blocker or decoy than as a primary target.

Summary

Cole Kmet remains a steady, reliable tight end with value in fantasy and a key role in the Bears’ offense. At 26 years old and with a clean injury history, he continues to offer a safe floor. Projections for 2025 are modest (~270 yds, ~28–30 receptions, ~2–3 TDs), but there is upside if the offense opens up and matchups are favorable. He is expected to play today and remains healthy as of the latest updates. Cole Kmet injury update.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: How old is Cole Kmet?
A: Cole Kmet was born on March 10, 1999, making him 26 years old as of September 2025.

Q2: Has Kmet ever missed a game due to injury?
A: No, Kmet has never missed a regular-season game since entering the NFL in 2020.

Q3: Is Cole Kmet playing today / this week?
A: Yes — fantasy football and team reports indicate a ~99% probability that he will play, and he is not on the latest injury report.

Q4: What are his 2025 fantasy projections?
A: Depending on the source, projections estimate ~28–30 receptions, ~270–300 receiving yards, ~2–3 touchdowns, and ~40–45 fantasy points (standard scoring) for the season.

Q5: What is Kmet’s upside?
A: His upside lies in favorable matchups, efficient quarterback play, and a more pass-friendly scheme under the Bears. His durability and reliability give fantasy managers confidence in his floor.

Q6: What risks could limit his performance?
A: Target share competition (especially from new tight ends and receivers), possible scheme shifts under new offensive leadership, and any unforeseen injuries or practice limitations could limit his ceiling.

Q7: Should I draft Kmet in standard or PPR leagues?
A: In standard leagues, he offers a safe floor, making him a reasonable late-round pick. In PPR or half-PPR formats, his low target volume may limit his upside unless he builds chemistry and sees increased usage.