Earlier this week, the Packers rising star TE Tucker Kraft, gave fans a reason to get excited. Kraft tore his ACL against the Panthers in Week 9 and has been recovering and rehabbing ever since. He posted a short video of himself running on a track over the Easter Weekend. Although Kraft has a long way to go before he is ready for game action, seeing him run is definitely a positive sign.
This video of Kraft of running does make sense based on what Matt LaFleur told the media a few weeks ago. LaFleur said that Kraft is “ahead of schedule” in his rehab process. Since the start of the Packers season is roughly 5 months a way, it will be hard to judge if Kraft will be ready to go for week 1. However, if Kraft is running now, one would think that he certainly has a chance to be ready by Week 1. If he is not, the new PUP practice start date rule might be in play for Kraft.
Prior to Kraft’s injury against Carolina, he was emerging as one of the NFL’s top tight ends. Kraft’s best attribute is his ability to run after the catch and after contact. As of Week 9, Kraft averaged 10.8 YAC and had a total of 115 yards after contact, which was the highest amongst all NFL tight ends. On top of his ability to make plays in the passing game, he is the Packers best blocking tight end. With Kraft on the field, the Packers offense takes a whole other step.
The Packers would significantly benefit if Tucker Kraft is ready to play by the start of the season. Although it is not impossible, it seems unlikely that Parsons will be cleared to play by Week 1. It would be an unfortunate break for the Packers to start the 2026 season without Parsons and Kraft. They are certainly capable of staying afloat while those two recover but it would be help the Packers chances of getting off to a hot start if Kraft is ready to play.
