The first day of rookie minicamp from Halas Hall concluded as rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft as well as undrafted free agents practiced from Lake Forest, Ill. Friday.

One rookie was not on the field practicing — Bears first round draft pick, Colston Loveland.

As Loveland addressed the media from Halas Hall, he spoke about how he’s staying involved at minicamp without physical activity on the field as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

“It’s the mental reps. They’re huge,” Loveland said. “They are just as important — knowing the play, seeing it, literally exactly like I’m in there. It’s different doing it obviously. But I’m doing everything I can, taking those mental reps, being in the playbook all the time. Just staying ahead really.”

Loveland is hoping to build rapport with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. The two young offensive playmakers have discussed making sure both are on the same page when training camp begins, even if Loveland is not getting reps right now.

While Loveland is taking his time getting back onto the field, he signed a four-year deal on Thursday along with fourth-round linebacker Ruben Hyppolite, fifth-round defensive back Zah Frazier, sixth-round offensive lineman Luke Newman and seven-round running back Kyle Monangai.

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As the rookie tight end watches practice and studies with mental reps, Loveland is hoping to get back to physical activity while taking his time to step in between the sidelines and run drills and routes.

“Yeah like hitting bags. Once we can actually hit each other, just doing that,” Loveland said. “Just getting back into playing football. It’s been awhile. So yeah, I’m just excited to be more hands on and start getting out there. I’m itching to go out there for sure.

“I’m listening to the PT and the training staff, but for sure. I’m itching to get out there, like I said. Just take it slow. We got some time. Just take it slow and I trust them and they’re going to do a great job with me.”

With Loveland recovering from shoulder surgery that he played through during his final season at University of Michigan, he won’t participate in rookie minicamp. If his recovery goes according to plan, he should be ready for training camp.