Tucker Kraft’s magnificent breakout season has come to an unfortunate end.
An MRI confirmed that Kraft suffered a torn ACL in the Green Bay Packers’ loss to the Carolina Panthers as initially feared, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday.
Kraft was injured early in the third quarter of Green Bay’s 16-13 defeat, and head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters after the game that his third-year tight end’s injury didn't “look good.”
It’s a devastating loss for the Packers, with Kraft having turned in 32 receptions for 489 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns, the latter two leading the team through eight games.
Kraft, who turned 25 on Monday, was well on his way to setting career bests across the board, having produced 50 catches for 707 yards and seven TDs in 17 games last season.
Tight end Luke Musgrave might be called on to have a larger role in the passing game, as he’s recorded just nine grabs for 88 yards so far. There’s also a chance general manger Brian Gutekunst looks to make a move before Tuesday’s trade deadline, but the Packers won’t be able to replace Kraft’s talent.
A rare big-play machine at tight end who was a monster in terms of yards after the catch, Kraft is now looking to 2026 for a return, while the 2025 Packers (5-2-1) must move on without him.