Bears TE Cole Kmet comments on ‘annoying’ practice development

Cole Kmet and the Chicago Bears are just more than two weeks away from opening their 2026 season. They are deep in preparations for the campaign and are set to play their final preseason game on Saturday. The veteran tight end also experienced something new during practice, which he talked about on Tuesday.

Kmet will likely take on a smaller role in the upcoming campaign. The emergence of Colston Loveland as a capable tight end cut into his minutes, and the second-year will start in his place in 2026. He also became one of Caleb Williams’ favorite targets, catching passes when they the team needed them the most.

However, Kmet will be ready when they call his name. He showed last year that he can still deliver, recording 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) celebrates a touchdown Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. — Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Cole Kmet shares his experience with fake noise during Bears practice

The Bears used fake noise during practice to recreate a game-day scenario. Kmet admitted that it made huddles more challenging but he knows that it will help them prepare better.

“It’s like the most annoying noise there is,” Kmet said. “I don’t know if any fans sound like that in any other stadium I’ve been in, but it definitely bugs you in the huddle when you’re communicating on a scrimmage. So it’s good work for us.”

Cole Kmet on practicing through fake crowd noise:

“It’s like the most annoying noise there is. I don’t know if any fans sound like that in any other stadium I’ve been in, but it definitely bugs you in the huddle and when you’re communicating at the line of scrimmage, so it… pic.twitter.com/RZiptnvelx

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) August 26, 2026

While fake noise is still different to sounds heard during actual games, it still forces the team to communicate better. Chicago head coach Ben Johnson and his staff are doing their best to help the players focus even more.

Kmet and the Bears will feature in seven primetime games in the 2026 season, and a lot of eyes will be focused on them. Their campaign starts on Sept. 13 with a visit to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.