Tucker Kraft‘s standout campaign may have come to an abrupt end. The third-year Packers tight end exited today’s game with a knee injury which could prove to be season-ending. 
Kraft was carted off the field and taken to the locker room upon going down during Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. When speaking to reporters, head coach Matt LaFleur said (via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky) Kraft’s injury “does not look good.” Comments like that typically result in significant missed time.
Indeed, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Green Bay’s fear is currently that Kraft tore his ACL. Further testing will be required to arrive at a diagnosis. That will include an MRI taking place in the near future. Provided it confirms the team’s fears, however, Kraft will be out for the remainder of the campaign.
That would deal a serious blow to the Packers’ offense. Kraft – who will turn 25 tomorrow – played every game during his first two campaigns and the early portion of 2025 saw him post new career highs in yards per reception (15.6) and yards per game (67) heading into today. A continuation of that strong production was expected to continue, but the former third-rounder’s attention will turn to a lengthy recovery process presuming his injury proves to be season-ending.
Green Bay has fellow 2023 draftee Luke Musgrave in the fold, although his playing time has fallen off over the past two years compared to his rookie campaign. Musgrave has played a role in the run game as a blocker, but in seven healthy games last season he made only seven catches. That figure stood at six entering today’s contest. An uptick in usage could be needed, while the Packers could also find themselves in the market for a tight end trade addition over the coming days if one is deemed necessary.
Kraft’s rookie contract runs through 2026, and he will be counted on to reprise his role as a key factor on offense upon returning to full health. An extension could be worked out by team and player in this case as early as January, but this ailment could give the Packers pause regarding a long-term investment. For now, Kraft will look to begin the rehab process and Green Bay (5-2-1 on the campaign) will aim to rebound from an upset loss with a shorthanded skill position unit.
Bummer
Brutal. He’s been a pleasure to watch.
That’s the NGL up one week being talked about and next out for season. Maybe they will sell some picks for Njoku.
Yikes. That’s a huge blow. I’m still waiting for one of these young WR to separate himself and step up, GB might have to make a move, for a TE? Or even a WR?
Green Bay needs to find a true WR1. The Gutey gameplan of having a room full of WR2s is not effective. Losing Kraft will further exploit the erratic passing game
Massive blow to the packers offense. Bummer