Tucker Kraft's latest comments at mandatory minicamp should fire up Packers fans

The Green Bay Packers are hoping tight end Tucker Kraft can return to form in 2026 after his 2025 campaign was cut short.

Kraft was on pace for a career year last season before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in November. In eight games in 2025, the South Dakota State product tallied 489 yards and six touchdowns.

Recovering from a torn ACL isn't easy, and the timetable for a return is different for everybody. However, it sounds like Kraft is ahead of schedule, and his latest comments at Green Bay's mandatory minicamp should excite Packer nation.

Kraft says he'll be ready for Week 1 with no pitch count

While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Kraft said his recovery is going better than expected, and he should be ready to go for the Packers' Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Kraft did add that he expects to be on the PUP list to start training camp, but it shouldn't be much of a setback, if at all.

"I'm doing better than expected," Kraft said via Ryan Wood of USA Today. "I feel great... I'm anticipating that I'll start on the PUP list. But with how I feel, I'm gonna get all the condition I need in camp to start Week 1 with no pitch count."

Getting Kraft back and healthy is absolutely pivotal to the Packers' offensive success. The dynamic tight end is one of the top targets for quarterback Jordan Love, and is arguably the most valuable receiving option on the team, along with wide receivers Christian Watson and Jayden Reed.

If Kraft can pick up right where he left off before the injury, and continue to post high-level production, he'll establish himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL this year. Additionally, his contract situation will also take center stage if Green Bay decides not to extend him before the start of the season.

Kraft has already stated that he wants to be with the Packers for the rest of his career, and Green Bay should look to sign him to a long-term deal before September. However, if that doesn't come to fruition and Kraft plays out the final year of his deal, the former third-round pick could have record-setting money waiting for him in the spring.