Packers’ TE joins Tucker Kraft with season-ending injury

The Green Bay Packers didn’t just lose a crucial divisional game on Saturday; they lost another piece of their offensive puzzle for the rest of the season.

During the Packers’ heartbreaking 22-16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears, tight end John FitzPatrick suffered a torn Achilles, a devastating blow that was confirmed by tests on Sunday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news, noting that Green Bay is now down two tight ends for the remainder of the year.

“Tests today confirmed that Packers TE John FitzPatrick tore his Achilles during Saturday’s 22-16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears,” Schefter reported. “Packers now have lost two TEs, Tucker Kraft and FitzPatrick, to season-ending injuries.”

It’s a brutal blow for FitzPatrick, who was trying to help fill the void left by Kraft. He saw limited action at Soldier Field before the injury occurred, logging just one target and zero receptions in the contest.

The injury adds insult to injury for a Packers team that let a golden opportunity slip away in Chicago. Despite a solid relief effort from quarterback Malik Willis, who threw for 121 yards and a touchdown while adding 44 yards on the ground, the offense couldn’t seal the deal. The loss dropped them further behind the Bears in the NFC North race.

With FitzPatrick and Kraft now both on the shelf, the Packers’ tight end depth is razor-thin as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. Head coach Matt LaFleur will likely have to get creative with his personnel packages or look for outside help to bolster the position before the playoffs.