Tucker Kraft: Everything you need to know

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Kraft (ACL) could be back on the field by the start of, or during, training camp, Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official site reports. GM Brian Gutekunst said in early May that Kraft is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a right ACL tear and is expected to be back in the starting lineup early during the 2026 regular season, but LaFleur's current prognostication is arguably even more optimistic. The 25-year-old tight end is working his way back from surgery undergone last November after suffering a season-ending injury in Week 9 of the 2025 campaign. Before going down, Kraft had firmly established himself as one of the focal points of Green Bay's passing attack. With Romeo Doubs now in New England and Dontayvion Wicks in Philadelphia, Kraft stands alongside Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden as one of Jordan Love's top pass-catching options heading into 2026. In contrast to Kraft, LaFleur said he expects Micah Parsons (ACL) to begin training camp on the PUP list, per Ryan Wood of USA Today.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday that Kraft (ACL) is "a little bit ahead of schedule" in his recovery from a right ACL tear and that both he and Micah Parsons (ACL) are expected to be "back early in the [regular] season," Andrew Bandstra of Channel 3000 News reports. Gutekunst previously labeled Kraft ahead of schedule in mid-January, and it appears the tight end's progress has continued on an encouraging track. He noted that Kraft is further along in his rehab than Parsons, which makes sense considering the timing of their respective ACL tears (early Nov. vs. mid-Dec.). Kraft, meanwhile, has stated that he's targeting a Week 1 return. He's entering his age-26 season and the final year of his deal with the Packers, though Gutekunst has confirmed talks regarding an extension are underway. After Green Bay allowed Romeo Doubs to sign elsewhere as a free agent (Patriots) and dealt Dontayvion Wicks in a trade (Eagles), Kraft is facing a clearer path to targets alongside returning wideouts Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden. In eight regular-season games prior to tearing his ACL in 2025, Kraft had emerged as Green Bay's leading receiver with 32 grabs for 489 yards and six scores on 44 targets.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Wednesday that the team has already "been in contact" with Kraft (ACL) regarding a potential contract extension, Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official site reports. Kraft said in mid-January that he's ahead of schedule in his recovery from a right ACL tear suffered in early November and that he expects to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 campaign. Across eight-regular season appearances prior to his knee injury, Kraft had emerged as Green Bay's leading receiver with a 32-489-6 line (44 targets), putting him on the trajectory not only for a career-best season, but also a high-end fantasy finish. The 25-year-old tight end currently is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but it appears the Packers may prioritize agreeing to terms on a long-term extension before then. Gutekunst noted that Kraft is "a really important part of this football team" and provides a positive impact "not only as a player but as a leader."