Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur spoke to reporters Wednesday before the team’s second OTA practice. During his press conference, LaFleur provided an update on his tight end, Tucker Kraft, who is currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 9 of last season.
According to LaFleur, Kraft should be back by training camp or not long after its start.
“He looks so good, you’d wanna put him out there … hopefully he’ll be ready to go by training camp or early in training camp,” LaFleur said via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
This update comes less than a week after Kraft posted a video of himself working out.
Saying players are “ahead of schedule” is one of the most overused phrases when it comes to sports injuries, but in this case, maybe it’s not cliché. If Kraft were to play in Week 1, he would have returned to game action in just 315 days, or a little over 10 months.
The Packers hope to have their star tight end for a full season after he appeared to be on his way to a breakout campaign in 2025. Through eight games, Kraft led the Packers with 489 receiving yards on 32 catches and scored six touchdowns.
The 2026 season will be crucial for Kraft, as it’s the final year of his rookie contract. If Kraft returns to form and builds off last season, he could position himself for a sizable second contract, while Green Bay’s offense will regain one of its most important playmakers.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Matt LaFleur says TE Tucker Kraft could be ready by training camp
Reporting by Brandon Carwile, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
