KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) makes a catch against Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage (5) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

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Massive Update Regarding Colston Loveland’s Participation Post-Injury Last Month

Loveland’s injury update: Cleared for minicamp, draft impact?

Michigan’s offense in 2024 had its struggles, but Colston Loveland remained a major playmaker. That was until Week 3 against Arkansas State, when he suffered a shoulder injury. From that point, he was never fully healthy. He sat out against USC, left the Northwestern game early despite scoring a touchdown, and missed both the Ohio State showdown and the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama.

Now, Loveland has undergone surgery to repair his shoulder. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal Elattrache sent a letter to all 32 NFL teams, assuring them that Loveland will be fully cleared before training camp.

Dr. Neal Elattrache’s letter reassures NFL teams about Loveland’s recovery

Loveland had surgery on Jan. 29 to reconstruct the AC joint in his right shoulder. Elattrache’s letter confirms that Loveland has had “no post-operative complications nor delays” and is already showing “easy early passive and active assisted range of motion.”

Colston Loveland –

Suffered a Type V AC injury in September and STILL producing the way he did for rest of season is bonkers.

Type V circled below – tears of the AC and CC ligaments with significant clavicle displacement that punctures the muscle above.

No long term issues. https://t.co/CbuhnEVKrL pic.twitter.com/slsutvkcbY
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) February 25, 2025

His post-surgery X-rays indicate proper AC joint alignment, and the expectation is that he will take part in non-contact minicamp workouts before being fully cleared for all team drills by preseason camp.

Loveland’s Draft Stock – How Much Has It Been Affected?

Before the injury, Loveland was in serious contention to be the first tight end selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, battling Penn State’s Tyler Warren for that distinction. While the surgery has caused some concern, the latest updates could ease doubts for NFL teams.

The Michigan tight end stands at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds and had a strong 2024 season despite missing time. He set a program record for most receptions by a tight end in a single season with 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns. His career numbers are just as impressive—117 catches for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns, ranking him among Michigan’s all-time greats at the position.

NFL teams remember what happened to former Michigan tight end Jake Butt. Once projected as a first or second-round pick, Butt tore his ACL in the Orange Bowl and tumbled to the fifth round in the draft. Loveland’s situation is different—his injury isn’t as severe, and his surgeon is already clearing him for offseason activities.

The question remains: Will teams take a risk on him early in the draft, or will concerns about his shoulder push him down the board? Loveland’s performance in pre-draft workouts will likely decide how much weight NFL scouts put on his injury history.

Image: Imagn Images

Colston Loveland

Natasha Bose

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