Packers’ Tucker Kraft Likely Out for Season After Knee Injury in Loss to Panthers

The Green Bay Packers’ Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers ended in disappointment—both on the scoreboard and in the training room. A 16–13 defeat dropped the Packers to 5–2–1 on the season, but the greater concern centered around tight end Tucker Kraft, who left the game on a cart after sustaining a knee injury.

What initially appeared to be a routine tackle quickly turned serious as Kraft remained down, clutching his leg. Teammates gathered around him, and the usually upbeat tight end was visibly emotional as he was taken off the field. After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t offer much optimism about his condition.

“Yeah, it doesn’t look good,” LaFleur told reporters, his tone subdued. “It’s going to be tough. Other guys are going to have to step up.” His comments were later echoed by team sources who expressed concern that Kraft may have suffered a torn ACL—an injury that would end his season.

For a Packers team already balancing injuries on offense, losing Kraft would be another major setback. The 24-year-old had become one of Jordan Love’s most reliable targets, emerging as a key red-zone weapon during Green Bay’s strong start to the year.

1. Kraft’s Breakout Year Cut Short

Before Sunday’s injury, Tucker Kraft was in the midst of a breakout campaign that had drawn praise across the league. In just his third NFL season, the former third-round pick had become a centerpiece in Matt LaFleur’s evolving offense, posting 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns through eight games. His combination of size, speed, and route-running had made him a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers. In several games, including wins over the Lions and Saints, Kraft provided crucial chain-moving plays and steady blocking that helped balance the Packers’ passing and running attacks. That growth made Sunday’s scene all the more painful for teammates and coaches. “He’s worked so hard to become one of our best guys,” quarterback Jordan Love said postgame. “It’s tough seeing that happen to him. He means a lot to this team.” The Packers have not yet confirmed the extent of Kraft’s injury, pending MRI results, but multiple reports indicate that the team fears the worst. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport described the situation as “brutal,” suggesting the early diagnosis points toward a torn ACL.

2. Filling the Void at Tight End

If Kraft’s injury is as serious as feared, Green Bay’s offense faces a significant adjustment in the coming weeks. The Packers will likely turn to second-year tight ends Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick to share duties, though neither offers the same versatility or production that Kraft provided. Musgrave, known for his athleticism, has shown flashes of potential in limited snaps but has yet to carve out a consistent role. FitzPatrick, meanwhile, is valued more for his blocking ability, which could see him featured in heavier formations. LaFleur acknowledged after the game that the offense may need to evolve to compensate for Kraft’s absence. “We’ll look at everything,” he said. “It’s next-man-up, but Tucker’s a big part of what we do. We’ll have to get creative with personnel and make sure we’re putting our guys in the best position to succeed.” The loss of Kraft also removes a valuable security blanket for Jordan Love, who had developed noticeable chemistry with the young tight end. Without him, the Packers may rely more heavily on their running backs and wide receivers in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

3. Packers Aim to Regroup After Setback

Sunday’s defeat capped a frustrating stretch for Green Bay, which has alternated wins and losses over the past month. While the team remains in the playoff mix, the offense’s inconsistency and mounting injuries have tested its depth. Losing Kraft only adds to that challenge. The Packers have prided themselves on resilience under LaFleur, and the message in the locker room following the loss was one of collective responsibility. “Injuries happen—it’s part of the game,” veteran offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins said. “We’ve got to rally around each other and keep moving forward.” Green Bay will have little time to regroup as it prepares for a divisional showdown next week, where the focus will be on protecting Love and establishing rhythm without one of the offense’s emerging stars. Whether the Packers can maintain their early-season momentum now depends on how quickly others can fill the void left by Kraft. As the team awaits official word on his MRI, one thing is certain: the Packers’ offense will not look the same without Tucker Kraft.