Packers receive the kind of offensive update they desperately wanted before Week 1
Green Bay has activated tight end Tucker Kraft from the PUP list as the offensive weapon targets a quick return from his ACL injury.
The Green Bay Packers received the best injury update they could have hoped for at this stage of the year. Tight end Tucker Kraft has been activated from the physically unable to perform list, clearing the way for him to practice starting Friday and throughout training camp.
The activation does not mean Kraft is fully game-ready, but it represents a significant step in his recovery from an ACL tear. Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated Kraft will begin with individual drills rather than full team work, the next milestone in a rehab process that has tracked ahead of schedule.
Timeline and recovery
Kraft tore his ACL on Nov. 2 against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season. He is now approaching the nine-month mark after knee surgery, and the early return to the practice field aligns with his stated goal of playing in the regular season opener without restrictions.
“With how I feel, I would say I’m going to get all the conditioning I need in camp to start week 1 on no pitch count,” Kraft recently said.
The tight end has been encouraged by how his body has responded throughout the rehabilitation process.
“I feel great,” Kraft added. “My quad looks great. Swelling is minimal to none. No like weird pains and aches coming out of my treatment and my training. So we’re really excited to get this ball rolling and we’re going to take off.”
Kraft has been one of Green Bay’s most impactful offensive pieces over the past two seasons. Before the injury last year, he played only eight games but posted 30 catches, 469 yards, and six touchdowns. He was ascending to a high level as an all-around tight end and had arguably become the most efficient and reliable offensive weapon for quarterback Jordan Love.
His ability to win in the passing game while also contributing as a blocker fits precisely what LaFleur demands from the position.
Looking ahead with more hope
The fact that Kraft is ready to participate early in training camp is a strong indication about his availability for Week 1 and the start of the regular season. For a Packers team with legitimate postseason aspirations, getting Kraft back on schedule is the best possible news at this time of year.