Tucker Kraft Eyeing Week 1 Return
Kraft indicated his recovery is going "better than expected" while speaking with reporters after Wednesday's practice.
By PackerAaron
For a Packers offense that lost one of its most important playmakers down the stretch last season, Tucker Kraft’s latest update is about as encouraging as it gets.
Speaking with reporters after today's practice, Kraft revealed that his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered against the Carolina Panthers on November 2nd of last year is progressing ahead of schedule.
“I’m doing better than expected,” Kraft said. “I really attribute it to the time and the commitment I put into my rehabilitation early on, the first three months. That really has catapulted me to where I am now.”
Kraft emerged as one of Jordan Love’s most reliable weapons before the injury, leading the team with 32 receptions while totaling 489 receiving yards and six touchdowns through the first eight games of the season. His combination of physicality after the catch, toughness as a blocker and knack for finding the end zone made him a centerpiece of Matt LaFleur’s offense.
The good news doesn't stop with his current progress. Kraft reported that swelling is virtually gone, his quad strength has returned and he’s experiencing none of the lingering aches that often accompany ACL recoveries.
While he acknowledged that beginning training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list remains a possibility, Kraft made it clear his focus is on being fully ready when the regular season arrives.
“With how I feel, I would say I’m going to get all the conditioning I need to start Week 1 on no pitch count,” Kraft said.
There’s still work to be done between now and September, but Kraft being ready to go from the jump in 2026 is a step in the right direction for a Packers team with Super Bowl aspirations.
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Comments (6)
Snap the ball
June 10, 2026 at 07:16 pm
TK back would be great week 1 …just want to make sure he’s ready and Stay humble my friend.
Like the Dos Equis commercial . His skills are expanding faster than the universe. I don’t also score TD.s but when I do I let the o linemen spike the ball.
Stay thirsty my friends.
dobber
June 11, 2026 at 08:53 am
Bottom line is that they're going to pay him, probably before training camp ends. He's the best blocking TE they have, but they can't use a guy who is going to be at the top of the TE market the way they've used him the last couple years. They were featuring him more just before he got hurt, but they need to get him away from the scrum around the LOS more--and that means finding another TE who can play the Y and free him up to run routes. He already plays through a lot of contact after the catch. He's going to be a guy who is going to deliver--and take--a beating game in and game out, and the Packers need to mitigate that by not wearing him down at the LOS nearly so much.
heyjoe4
June 11, 2026 at 09:03 am
Agreed dobber. Musgrave has been a disappointment and can't block. Not sure about Whyle. He's an intriguing player with, IMO, upside. I don't know if he can block or not.
But playing Kraft as part of the down OL is not a good idea. Kraft is just too good to risk him in that part of the game. Ironically, that's where he was when he was inadvertently kicked by Rhyan and tore his ACL. Expensive lesson for all.
I don't know if that FB/TE hybrid is on the team right now - the guy that mostly blocks and gets used on the occasional screen for short yardage situations, or even when only a yard is needed.
heyjoe4
June 11, 2026 at 09:09 am
I'm ecstatic that he's back, but agree with Snap the Ball - don't rush. MLF should also keep Kraft out of blocking assignments, where the chance of injury is higher.
I still have a hard time with the fact Musgrave was taken ahead of Kraft. Musgrave is ok - he can run a decent route and usually catch the ball, and he can get downfield. Where he fails is YAC. He goes down as soon as he secures the ball. I'm surprised this didn't show up during scouting.
Well TE is not a group we can complain about. It's just more important for Kraft to be playing well in December than in September. MLF - proceed with caution. I'd have him on a snap count for a game or two to start the season.
BuckyBadger
June 11, 2026 at 09:29 am
If you look at the TEs drafted later vs the 1st round guys and TE seems like a position you can find gold later.
Snap the ball
June 11, 2026 at 04:11 pm
Kraft from a small town of 500 people. This is a chance of a lifetime. He works hard and made his mind up in college he wanted to play in the pros.
A long season let’s do it right.
I can only image hiim playing with Brett or Aaron……. Wow……..
Musgrave got hurt and he took advantage of it.
Musgrave needs to step up.
Wylie guy will be number 2 shortly if Musgrave doesn’t get it going.