Packers' concerning Tucker Kraft news comes at worst time possible

The mere mention of “season-ending,” even preceded by “not,” is enough to send chills down the spines of Packers fans. Labeled a breakout candidate by many, Kraft was coming off a massive game against the Washington Commanders and is an integral part of the offense.

Moreover, after losing Jayden Reed last week, Green Bay would benefit from having its more experienced targets available. Rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams are still finding their roles. Hopefully for Kraft and the Packers, he hasn’t suffered anything serious, but his status for Sunday is certainly up in the air. No Reed, possibly no Kraft. Still no Christian Watson. That's concerning for the Packers.

Tucker Kraft going down now is an emotional blow more than anything

On the bright side, the Packers might not need as much offensive firepower to hold off the Browns this Sunday. The Cleveland defense is strong, but so is Green Bay’s. Keeping the Browns’ Joe Flacco-led offense in check should not be the most formidable task in the world.

If Micah Parsons — who has been unbelievably impressive thus far in Green Bay — and the defense can make Flacco uncomfortable and stymie opposing drives, the Packers offense won’t have to do as much. As of Thursday afternoon, Green Bay remains around a 7.5-point road favorite. The total is set at 41.5 across the board.

Thus, a potential Kraft absence might not hit so hard this week. It’s more about what those tests indicate about his status moving forward.

The possibility of losing Kraft for any extended period is an emotional crusher. Days after Reed had two surgeries is not the time to lose another key target. In Golden and Williams, plus Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs as resident “veterans,” the Packers' receiver room still has weapons, but its depth is being tested early.