Packers’ Tucker Kraft announces date he'll be "bulletproofed"

One can only wonder what could have been for the Green Bay Packers if star tight end Tucker Kraft had not suffered a season-ending injury in the 2025 campaign. Kraft was the most productive downfield weapon by Jordan Love until he went down with a knee injury in Week 9’s home game against the Carolina Panthers.

As a potent red-zone target and a reliable target for Love, Kraft was on his way to a 1,000-yard season in 2025, but he now has to wait for 2026 to have a shot at pulling off that feat.

Packers’ Kraft speaks up on injury recovery progress

On Monday, Kraft and many other Green Bay players returned to Lambeau Field to clean out their lockers. 

The 25-year-old Kraft spoke to reporters and shared his outlook for the 2026 campaign.

“By the time Week 1 rolls around, I’ll be 10 months post-surgery and hopefully bulletproofed by then,” Kraft said, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.

“I already feel pretty good. My progress so far has been great. Some would say even ahead of schedule,” added the former South Dakota State star tight end.

That must sound great for Green Bay and the team’s fans, a consolation of sorts as well for the team following a season-ending 31-27 loss in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Chicago Bears.

Kraft has every motivation to be ready by Week 1 of the next season and have a big year in 2026, as he doesn’t have a contract in 2027.

In eight games this season, Kraft had 489 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 32 receptions and 44 targets.