After ACL surgery, Tucker Kraft is defying expectations with his rapid return

Green Bay Packers received encouraging news on Friday as tight end Tucker Kraft was officially activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a torn ACL suffered less than nine months ago.

Kraft underwent surgery to repair the ACL in his right knee following last season, and while his return to the practice field is ahead of schedule in some respects, the Packers are taking a cautious approach to ensure he’s fully ready for the regular season.

Head coach Matt LaFleur emphasized that Kraft’s workload will be limited initially, with the tight end easing back into football activities rather than jumping straight into full-contact team drills.

Matt LaFleur Drops Encouraging Tucker Kraft Update

“It’ll be no team [drills],” LaFleur said before Friday’s practice. “So, we’re just going to kind of get him back ingrained into the process and into individual. What’s great is when they do come off PUP, then now he can partake in some of the walk-through periods, especially that we do in the evenings, just to get him back hearing the call, lining up and then just going through that.”

The measured approach aligns with the recovery timeline Kraft outlined earlier this summer. Last month, he expressed confidence that he would return during training camp and be fully available for the Packers’ regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13.

Friday’s activation suggests Kraft remains on track to meet that goal.

His return is welcome news for Green Bay’s offense, which values his physical style of play, blocking ability, and versatility as both a pass catcher and run-game contributor. The Packers have missed his presence throughout the early stages of camp, but getting him back on the practice field—even in a limited capacity—is a positive development.

With several weeks remaining before Week 1, Green Bay has the luxury of bringing Kraft along at a controlled pace without rushing the recovery process. The focus now shifts to rebuilding his conditioning, confidence, and timing within the offense.

If all goes according to plan, Kraft should be ready to make an impact when the Packers open the 2026 season, giving quarterback Jordan Love another reliable weapon and providing Green Bay with a healthy, dynamic tight end entering what the organization hopes will be another playoff run.

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