Packers News
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after tests Monday confirmed he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Sunday’s 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field.
The injury occurred early in the third quarter when Kraft’s knee was rolled up on by a teammate during a 15-yard run by Josh Jacobs. Kraft needed assistance to leave the field and was carted to the locker room. He was initially listed as questionable before being ruled out in the fourth quarter.
The 25-year-old third-round pick from 2023 was having a breakout season for the Packers. Kraft finishes the year with 32 receptions on 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games. He was coming off a career performance in Week 8 against Pittsburgh, catching seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the 35-25 victory over the Steelers on October 26.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur addressed the injury after Sunday’s game. “It doesn’t look good,” LaFleur said. “It’s going to be tough to replace him, but other guys are going to have to step up.”
Kraft led the Packers in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns entering Week 9. His 344 yards after the catch ranked far ahead of any other Green Bay pass catcher. Quarterback Jordan Love posted a 148.6 passer rating when targeting Kraft this season.
Luke Musgrave will assume the top tight end role for Green Bay. The 2023 second-round pick has nine receptions for 88 yards in eight games this season. Musgrave caught three passes for 32 yards in the fourth quarter Sunday after Kraft departed. The 25-year-old becomes an immediate waiver wire target for fantasy managers seeking tight end help. Musgrave played extensively as a rookie in 2023 before injuries derailed his development, catching 34 passes for 352 yards. John FitzPatrick, a blocking specialist, remains on the roster as the other tight end.
The Packers may also lean more heavily on their receiving corps. Romeo Doubs leads the wide receivers with seven catches for 91 yards in Week 9. Christian Watson returned from a torn ACL earlier this season, while first-round rookie Matthew Golden has emerged as a downfield threat. All three receivers should see increased targets with Kraft sidelined.
Green Bay sits at 5-2-1 after the loss to Carolina, maintaining a slim lead in the NFC North. The Packers host the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football in Week 10.
The injury leaves a significant void in Green Bay’s offense. Kraft had become one of the most versatile tight ends in football, excelling as both a blocker and receiver. The Packers have three other tight ends on the roster including Josh Whyle on the practice squad, who may be promoted to the active roster.
The team is expected to place Kraft on injured reserve this week. He will undergo surgery in the coming days or weeks. Kraft should be ready for the start of the 2026 season with a typical ACL recovery timeline.
