After an enormous performance for the Packers in Week 2 against the Commanders (124 yards, one touchdown), tight end Tucker Kraft had a lesser impact on the offense in the 13-10 Week 3 loss to Cleveland, catching three passes for 29 yards on the game. There was concern about Kraft heading into the game, as he injured his knee during practice last week, but he was deemed fit to play on Sunday.
The production was not great. But then again, the production from the Packers in general was lacking. Green Bay had just 230 yards off offense and a net production of 149 yards in the passing game.
While there was much criticism from the Packers on the injury front after the Browns loss, when injured linemen Zach Tom and Aaron Banks played but were removed from the game with injuries (Tom lasted one play), Kraft was OK after the game.
“It says a lot about him and the competitor he is. So yeah, I think he is feeling good,” coach Matt LaFleur said.
Packers Allowed Zach Tom to Play on Sunday
LaFleur was on the hot seat in Monday’s meeting with the media, though, after the Packers allowed Tom to play–he was a gametime decision–despite his persistent oblique injury. The coach said that Tom was put through tests leading into Week 3, and that he passed those tests on Sunday. But once it came to dealing with the actual force of the Browns defensive line, even for one play, Tom had to come out.
“It’s always hard to simulate what you’re going to face in a game,” LaFleur said. “I think the force of the guy he was going against, it hurt him. He didn’t feel like he could go.”
LaFleur said Tom did not necessarily extend his potential recovery time by playing.
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers
LaFleur Defends Training Staff
But the situation does highlight questions about the Packers‘ staff and their willingness to let players get back on the field, perhaps before they’re ready. At LaFleur’s press conference, a reference was made to Jaire Alexander’s 2023 knee injury, which was likely rushed.
Receiver Christian Watson, too, has referenced coming back too early from past injuries.
Said LaFleur: “Every situation is a little bit different. I am confident in our guys, I think they do a great job. They’re thorough. Certainly, the players got say-so into the return to play as well. In terms of just their confidence level.
“Obviously, first and foremost, you have to be cleared medically—we never want to put a guy out there that could potentially have a setback. So I think those guy do a really thorough job.”
Packers’ Matt LaFleur Updates Tucker Kraft After Knee Injury