Packers' Tucker Kraft Delivers Positive Update on ACL Recovery

Green Bay Packers star tight end Tucker Kraft is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 9 of the 2025 season against the Carolina Panthers.

Prior to the injury, Kraft was having a career year and had established himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL and an explosive player after the catch. 

In the 2025 season, Kraft finished with 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns. The 25-year-old was a key piece of the Packers' offense before going down with a torn ACL. Kraft is making progress in his recovery, as he was activated off the PUP list. 

"I understand other peoples' worries in that facet. However, I myself, I'm just worried about getting back to who I was pre-injury," Kraft said when asked about potential hesitation to go full speed. 

Kraft also spoke to a doctor from the Badger Lab at the University of Wisconsin on Thursday, stating, "[He] told me my knee looks spectacular, almost like he had never seen rehabilitation like mine."

This is great news, and Kraft is expected to play in Week 1 of the 2026 season. In Matt LaFleur's offense, which is poised to be more pass-heavy, Kraft could be the focal point.

Green Bay's passing attack was very efficient in 2025, but LaFleur was conservative at times, leaning too heavily on the run game when it wasn't as effective.

The Packers' running back room is an unknown, as Josh Jacobs is still solid, but he's another year older, and MarShawn Lloyd hasn't been able to stay on the field in his first two seasons.

That will lead Jordan Love and the passing offense to be utilized more in the 2026 season as they look to make a playoff push. Love is coming off a great season, as he completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

While Kraft is coming off a major injury, he has a ton of talent and should be one of the top weapons for Love and the Packers' offense.