Two Packers Players That Are Missing OTAs and One That Is a Full Participant

The Green Bay Packers are presently in the midst of OTAs as they begin preparations for the 2024 NFL season. Head coach Matt LaFleur has the team on the field and running drills as they learn the offense and the defense. While much of what happens at OTAs is routine, there are three players that surprised everybody at OTAs including two Packers players that are missing practices due to injury, and one that is a surprising full participant.

The First Packers Player Missing OTAs Due to Injury: TE Tucker Kraft

Tight end Tucker Kraft will not participate in OTAs due to a pectoral injury. The former South Dakota State star was seen wearing a sling on one arm.

LaFleur confirmed that Kraft would miss all OTAs and minicamp but should be ready to return to action in time for the start of training camp.

“Yeah, Tuck is going to be out until training camp,” LaFleur told reporters. “And then hopefully he’s back by training camp, and if not, it should be early on. Just one of those unfortunate deals. He’s on the Matt LaFleur plan.”

The LaFleur plan was a reference to LaFleur’s own pectoral injury which he suffered when bench pressing during the offseason.

Kraft had a strong finish to his rookie campaign and finished the 2023 season with 31 catches for 355 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to gain yards after the catch made him a valuable weapon for Jordan Love late in the season.

LaFleur was looking forward to seeing Kraft and Luke Musgrave healthy and in the lineup together. Now that will have to wait until training camp.

Second Packers Player Missing OTAs: OL Zach Tom

Offensive tackle Zach Tom will also miss OTAs as a result of a pectoral injury. Tom started all 17 games at right tackle last season for the Packers and graded out as the team’s best offensive lineman according to Pro Football Focus.

LaFleur said there was no “long-term concern” about Tom being ready for training camp.

Tom remains the starter at right tackle on the team’s depth chart. LaFleur added his absence from OTAs will not be a problem for the coaching staff. “We all know what he can do at right tackle,” he explained.

Of course, Tom’s versatility is one of his biggest assets. He can play any position along the offensive line and many scouts believe he could be an even better center than tackle. As long as he’s ready for training camp, his ability to change positions, if the coaching staff wants him to, should not be affected.

One other player was limited at OTAs. Running back Josh Jacobs has a hamstring injury and only participated in stretches during Tuesday’s activities.

One Packers Player Who Was a Surprise Participant at OTAs: DE Kingsley Enagbare

When we last saw edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, he left the playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys with a knee injury. Shortly after the game, the Packers announced the former South Carolina star was out for the rest of the postseason and likely suffered a series knee injury.

The initial thought was Enagbare tore his ACL but that turned out not to be the case. “He never had surgery. Didn’t tear it. We dodged a bullet there,” LaFleur said Tuesday.

As a result, Enagbare was a full participant at OTAs Tuesday, which came as a surprise to many.

Enagbare recorded two sacks last season. He played in all 17 games and started four. He also forced one fumble and recovered another while recording eight tackles for loss. As the third player on the depth chart at edge rusher, he played 41 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.

Getting him back for the start of the regular season would give the Packers four solid players on their depth chart at edge rusher. Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and last year’s first-round pick, Lukas Van Ness are the other three.

This was very good news for the Packers as they started work for the 2024 NFL season.