Tucker Kraft’s Impressive Return to Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers star tight end Tucker Kraft took significant strides during Sunday’s practice, joining full 11-on-11 drills. This marked Kraft’s first participation in competitive team drills since his ACL tear in Week 9 of the 2025 season. Immediately demonstrating his prowess, Kraft caught several passes from quarterback Jordan Love, including a touchdown.

During Tuesday’s practice, Kraft’s competitive nature surfaced, sparking intense interactions with Zaire Franklin, the Packers’ prominent offseason acquisition and a former All-Pro linebacker. In a notable play, Kraft and Franklin collided in the open field during a flat-route catch. Later, Franklin delivered a shoulder hit shortly after Kraft made a catch over the middle, causing him to hit the ground. Their past included a scuffle during a joint practice between Indianapolis and Green Bay last summer when Franklin represented the Colts. Now teammates, Franklin dismissed past tensions, offering high praise for Kraft post-practice.

“He’s a dog,” Franklin commented. “That’s how it’s supposed to be. Tuck brings the same energy and competitiveness that I bring on defense. His presence is a vital motivator for the offense. Competing with him is great.”

Kraft, drafted by the Packers as the third-round pick (No. 78 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft from South Dakota State, has quickly emerged as a top-tier pass-catching tight end. In 2024, he recorded 50 catches out of 70 targets, accumulating 707 yards and seven touchdowns over 17 games. Before his injury in the 2025 season, he was on track to surpass his career highs, with 32 catches out of 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games, averaging 15.3 yards per catch — the league’s highest for tight ends. If extended to a full 17-game season, his pace indicated over 1,000 yards, 12 touchdowns, and approximately 70 catches, placing him in the All-Pro realm.

Kraft has yet to participate in a preseason game, and with only two left, his appearance in one remains uncertain. However, indications suggest he will be prepared to play by Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.