Tucker Kraft injury update: Packers TE gets massive bad news after suffering knee injury vs. Panthers

The Green Packers will have to soldier on without a key fixture in the pass-catching department. Tucker Kraft has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season. The Packers tight end tore his ACL in his team’s defeat to the Carolina Panthers, a massive loss for Green Bay.

The current NFC North leaders at 5-2 depended heavily on the tight end in the passing game. He had 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdown catches, leading the team in those last two categories this season. He was well on his way to what may have been a career year. In 2024, he had 50 catches for 707 yards to go along with seven scores, his best season statistically in the NFL.

Kraft was in his third year with the team when the injury setback occurred. He wasn’t just a reliable pass-catcher for Jordan Love, but someone who could make big plays happen.

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The South Dakota State product was fantastic at yards after the catch, averaging 15.3 yards per reception this season. His speed, hands, and big-play ability have played a significant part in this team’s current top-10 offense status in the NFL, in terms of passing yards per game. He’s also been very reliable at holding onto the ball, losing only one fumble during his NFL career to date.

His injury comes after he’d only recently had a career game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In their Week 8 victory, Kraft caught seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns on what was National Tight End’s Day. He had suffered an injury scare in an earlier game this season versus the Washington Commanders.

Luke Musgrave has big shoes to fill

Kraft’s absence would seemingly put a lot of pressure on Luke Musgrave to step up down the stretch of the 2025 season. His number hasn’t been called all that often this season, as he has nine catches for 88 yards.

He missed some time last season with an injury, and now he has an opportunity to get more passes thrown his way. He averaged over 10 yards per catch in his 2023 rookie season and is a strong all-around presence with the capabilities of making plays. One thing he has brought to the table is dependability. He has caught nine of his 10 targets to this stage of the year.

The Packers are a top-10 offensive unit with balance all over the field, and Musgrave now has a chance to make his mark. Green Bay doesn’t play again until November 10 when they face the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Edited by Joel Lefevre