The Green Bay Packers believe tight end Tucker Kraft is ahead of schedule for a Week 1 return after suffering a torn ACL in November 2025. Kraft was having a strong season before his injury, with 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns.
Why the Packers believe Tucker Kraft is currently "ahead of schedule" for a Week 1 return originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Green Bay Packers are hoping to see tight end Tucker Kraft come back better than ever in 2026.
Kraft played just eight games in 2025 due to suffering a torn ACL at the beginning of November. Before the season-ending injury, the young playmaker was on pace for a career year, tallying 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns.
With Green Bay kicking off OTAs in a few weeks, general manager Brian Gutekunst provided an update on Kraft's status, and the South Dakota State product should be back sooner than expected.
During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday, Gutekunst stated that Kraft is ahead of schedule on his recovery and has been in the building every day rehabbing his injury.
Gutekunst also added that edge rusher Micah Parsons is also doing well in his rehab, and expects both him and Kraft to be back early in the season.
Tucker Kraft is expected to return ahead of schedule for Week 1 after recovering from a torn ACL.
Tucker Kraft played eight games in the 2025 season before suffering his injury.
Before his injury, Tucker Kraft recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns.
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"Tuck’s been in here every day, and he’s obviously a little bit ahead of schedule, just because his injury happened earlier than Micah’s did," Gutekunst said. “So, certainly expect both of those guys back early in the season. And they’ll be a big part of what we’re doing moving forward.”
Kraft had a ton of momentum heading into 2025 after a breakout 2024 campaign, where he posted 707 yards and seven touchdowns. However, the ACL injury pumped the brakes on what could've been a Pro Bowl-level season last year.
When healthy, Kraft is one of the top receiving threats for quarterback Jordan Love and an integral piece to the Packers' offense in the rushing and passing attacks.
A fully healthy and hungry Kraft could be what Green Bay needs in 2026 to get over the hump and establish itself as a top offense. The passing game felt timid towards the end of 2025, so they need a spark heading into this season, and Kraft could be the answer.