Tucker Kraft’s injury will keep him out of commission for several months.
The Green Bay Packers had a terrific turnout for the first day of organized practice, but fans were disappointed to hear about some tragic injuries to a few players, notably tight end Tucker Kraft, a second-year player.
On Tuesday, May 21, Kraft was spotted at practice, according to X, which was reported by Andy Herman of Pack-A-Day. Kraft, on the other hand, was not taking part and was seen with his arm slinged.
Andy Herman
Andy Herman · Follow Tucker Kraft when he’s not practicing and when his arm is in a sling. Had to have been an incredible wedding celebration.
Head coach Matt LaFleur talked with reporters after practice. Regarding Kraft’s sling, LaFleur disclosed that he wouldn’t be back until the commencement of training camp. Furthermore, he suggested that Kraft probably had a torn pec.
Observe Tucker According to LaFleur, Kraft won’t be back until training camp. If he’s not prepared before the beginning, camp will start soon. Today, Kraft wore a sling across his left arm.
LaFleur, who just suffered a pec tear: “He’s following the Matt LaFleur plan.”
Kraft will be prepared by the time training camp rolls around, which is wonderful news. But it also means he won’t get to work with Jordan Love during the offseason, which is vital.
Tucker Expectations weren’t that high for Kraft going into his breakout first season. He did, however, wind up having a very successful rookie season in the NFL.
As a Timber Lake, South Dakota, high school athlete, Kraft was an unknown quantity. Due to his small hometown of 503 residents, Kraft received almost little interest from universities.
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits were right to take a chance on Kraft. Upon leaving the program, he was named to the first team of the Missouri Valley and was a two-time FCS All-American.
Using their third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Packers decided to take a risk on Kraft. However, it will be difficult for Kraft to receive playing time right away because they previously selected Luke Musgrave, another tight end, earlier in the draft.
Musgrave’s injury early in the season gave Kraft more opportunity to see the field as a rookie, and he performed admirably when given it. In addition to being a superb run game blocker, Kraft had 31 receptions for 355 yards and two scores at the end of the season.
Against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round, Kraft even scored another touchdown. Kraft has a great chance to succeed in training camp once he’s healthy because he has so much experience and playing time as a rookie.
Who Will Be the Third Tight End for Green Bay?
Both Kraft and Musgrave have proven early in their careers that they are tight ends capable of starting. But there will undoubtedly be competition at training camp for the position of third tight end on the depth chart.
For most of last season, Ben Sims was the third tight end in the lineup. At the start of the season, the Packers had signed him off of the practice squad of the Minnesota Vikings. The former UDFA wasn’t particularly good, but in a pivotal Week 13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, he managed to score his first touchdown of the season.
Sims’ employment won’t provide complete security, though. Last season, Tyler Davis was projected to start at tight end in the depth chart, but he tore his ACL in the team’s preseason opener. Despite missing the full 2023 season, he might return to challenge for Sims’ previous position.
Joel Wilson and Messiah Swinson are two more tight ends vying for playing time, but both are considered long bets to reach the final 53-man roster.
