Tucker Kraft injury concerns quickly became the story of Week 9, as the Green Bay Packers suffered a 16-13 home loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Packers offense, which ranks fifth on PFSN’s NFL Offensive Impact chart, struggled throughout the game. A significant reason for that was the loss of their leading receiver, Kraft, who went down early in the second half and did not return.
Kraft was the most productive receiver that Jordan Love had at his disposal. This season, Kraft has 30 receptions for 469 yards, along with 6 touchdowns. Packers fans desperately waited for any news about their top receiver. With the Kraft injury occurring mid-game, Packers fans anxiously awaited any update on his status.
Tucker Kraft Injury Update From Matt LaFleur
In his post-game presser, Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the severity of Kraft’s injury. Despite not knowing the specifics of Kraft’s injury, the prognosis does not look ideal.
According to a tweet by Packers insider Rob Demovsky, “Packers coach Matt LaFleur TE Kraft’s knee injury “does not look good.”” At the very least, it sounds like Kraft is going on the injured reserve and will miss the next four games.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur TE Tucker Kraft’s knee injury “does not look good.”
That’s usually code for season-ending. But there are surely more tests to come tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/FtikxXVtlq
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) November 2, 2025
Packers fans everywhere will be holding their breath as the situation is being closely monitored. Regarding any tests that might be conducted, Reporter Ian Rapoport had this to say on the matter: “The fear heading into the MRI is that Kraft tore his ACL, source said. Just brutal.”
The fear heading into the MRI is that Tucker Kraft tore his ACL, source said. Just brutal. https://t.co/qJMW9WxvWH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2025
If Kraft tore his ACL, the worst-case scenario is that he misses the rest of the season and part of the next season. Best-case scenario, he misses the rest of the year but is ready to play by Week 1 of the 2026 season. Regardless, this would be a devastating blow to the Packers.
What’s Next for the Packers?
The priority for the Packers should be finding a way to replace the production lost due to Kraft’s injury. Regardless of where that production comes from, Matt LaFleur noted, “It’s going to be tough. Other guys are going to have to step up.”
This injury could significantly affect how Green Bay structures its passing game and offensive personnel groups for the remainder of the season. The Packers are filled with young talent, and the injury will be sure to give more opportunities to their young receiving corps.
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However, the player with the most significant opportunity to step up and make an impact for the team is their 2023 2nd-round pick, Luke Musgrave, who serves as the backup tight end.
In his rookie season, Musgrave caught 34 passes for 352 yards and one touchdown. However, the following year, he lost his starting spot to Kraft and ended up with only seven receptions. Musgrave can be a viable offensive option, but numerous players will need to step up in the wake of Kraft’s Injury.