Packers Facing Challenges at This Position Due to Injuries

The Green Bay Packers held their first padded practice on Monday as they continued to ramp up preparations for the 2026 NFL season. While we are just a week into training camp, injuries have limited the team’s depth at one position. The Packers are facing challenges at this particular position due to injuries. We’ll see how they’re addressing it and what the implications are for the team going forward.

The Packers Are Facing Challenges at This Position Due to Injuries: The Injuries

Starter Tucker Kraft has been activated off the PUP list but has yet to take part in full team activities at practice. The coaching staff wants to gradually increase his activity with the expectation that he will be ready to play Week 1 of the regular season in Minnesota without a play count or any other restrictions.

Last year’s primary backup, Luke Musgrave, is on the PUP list. Technically, the Packers can activate him any time he’s ready to return during training camp, but it does not seem to be imminent. Musgrave suffered a neck injury, and the Packers prefer to be cautious with an injury like that which could have permanent non-football implications for a player. We do not have a timetable for Musgrave’s return, but the injury could have long-term implications.

In addition to the top two players on the tight end depth chart, other tight ends are also dealing with injuries. Blocking tight end Luke Lachey suffered an injury to his left foot and rookie R.J. Maryland missed practice due to a hamstring injury. That left the Packers with just three tight ends at practice, Josh Whyle, Messiah Swinson, and Drake Dabney. While the seriousness of these injuries has not officially been announced, Lachey was seen in a walking boot after practice Monday.

The Response

The Packers now only have three tight ends who can participate in practice on a daily basis. That isn’t enough to do all the drills they want to run. It not only impacts the offense but also special teams where the tight ends are typically used on blocking and coverage teams.

As a result of these injuries, the Packers re-signed McCallan Castles and Drew Biber. Castles spent time on the Packers practice squad last season after Kraft was lost for the season with his torn ACL. He did not appear in any games last season and has yet to play a down of regular season NFL football.

Castles signed with the Eagles in 2024 after going undrafted. After failing to make the team, he spent time on the Chargers practice squad in 2024 and spent time with both the Chargers and Rams practice squads in 2025 before signing with the Packers.

The 6’4”, 244-pound Tennessee alum will turn 27 in December. If he rejoins the Packers, he will primarily be looked at as a camp body but if he plays well and injuries persist at tight end, he may have a chance to at least return to the practice squad.

Biber stands 6’3″ and weighs 247. He went undrafted this year after finishing his college career at the University of Minnesota. He is a native of Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

The Packers released Luke Lachey and R.J. Maryland with injury designations.

The Packers Are Facing Challenges at This Position Due to Injuries: The Outlook

The big key for the Packers remains getting Kraft back at full strength by Week 1. Kraft was playing at a Pro Bowl level before his injury midseason and should be a major component of the Green Bay offense.

Depth remains a major question. If Musgrave cannot get back on the field, that will place a lot of pressure on Whyle to step up and be the second tight end. In addition, Lachey was the favorite to be the blocking specialist in the tight end room, so the Packers will have to fill that role as well.

There is still more than a month to go before Week 1 so there is time for these players to get healthy or for GM Brian Gutekunst to find replacements for injured players. Obviously, the sooner he knows the long-term status of the injured players, the quicker he can address whatever needs arise.

Head coach Matt LaFleur likes to utilize his tight ends. Making sure the team has enough talent and depth at the position will be critical for the offense in 2026.