It still doesn't feel right. The thought that the Green Bay Packers have lost the services of Tucker Kraft for at least the rest of this 2025 NFL season...it just doesn't sit right in the gut, does it?

Kraft, a third-year tight end out of South Dakota State, was in the midsts of a breakout season that had him on an All-Pro trajectory. He'll finish 2025 with 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns, but oh what could have been if it weren't for a torn ACL that stole him from the Packers for at least the next nine months.

He was on pace for 68 catches for 1,039 yards and 13 touchdowns, which would have been an elite season.

There's no good in thinking about what could have been if you're head coach Matt LaFleur and the Packers, though. The NFL is a "next man up" league, and this offense still has several players who can step up to fill the void that will be left by the star tight end.

These three, in particular, are worth keeping an eye on.

Luke Musgrave must remind folks why the Packers took him in the second round

Luke Musgrave is the obvious choice if you're wondering just where the Packer will look to replace Kraft's production. He's a much different type of tight end compared to Kraft, and he's nowhere near the blocker. With that said, Kraft became a star because of his ability in the passing game, and that's where Musgrave can step up.

He checks in at 6-foot-6, 253 pounds and he's got speed to burn. He won't be the YAC machine that Kraft was because they're built differently, but if you're looking for a deep-threat who can stretch the field and pick up big chunks of yards as a tight end, Musgrave is the guy for the job.

He'll now get his opportunity, and the Packers need him to prove why they felt he was a good selection at No. 42 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

This is Matthew Golden's time to shine for the Packers 

If Matthew Golden hasn't been happy about the opportunities he's gotten so far this season as  first-round wide receiver, this is the perfect opportunity for him to step up.

Again, he's not going to be a YAC guy like Kraft, but he does have the speed and route-running ability to get open, and his hands make him a great option on those third downs when the Packers just gotta have it.

Love has been looking Kraft's way a bunch in those moments, but Golden has shown at times in his rookie season that he's trustworthy as well.

There are now important targets up for grabs, and this is the first-rounders chance to go and get them.

Perhaps Josh Whyle can get a shot and some opportunities with the Packers

If there's a sleeper on this team who could get some opportunities with Kraft gone, it would be Josh Whyle. The Packers have been housing Whyle on the practice squad all season, but he was activated to the 53-man roster when Kraft was lost for the season.

He's a third-year pro who was selected out of Cincinnati in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.

He played in 28 games and started seven in two seasons with the Titans, notching 37 catches for 342 yards and two touchdowns. 

Whyle has been a practice squad guy for a reason, but he's at the very least a tight end on the Packers' roster who has been in the end zone before, and that has to count for something.