The Green Bay Packers lost much more than just a game on Sunday. If their 16-13 home loss to the Carolina Panthers wasn’t bad enough, they also lost one of their best players, Tucker Kraft, to a season-ending injury. He tore his ACL in the third quarter of the loss to the Panthers.
Kraft was the right-hand man of the Packers’ offense. With him out for an indefinite period, a vacuum has arisen that requires urgent attention. PFSN’s Tight End Impact ranks him as the No. 1 Tight End so far, with an impact score of 90.9, and the only player with an A- grade.
The Packers Sign Tucker Kraft Replacement
That’s why, as reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, they had no choice but to find a replacement. Shortly before the trade deadline, they signed TE McCallan Castles from their practice squad:
“Practice squad moves amidst a wild trade deadline day: With Tucker Kraft lost for the season, the Packers are signing TE McCallan Castles, per source,” Pelissero wrote on X.
Practice squad moves amidst a wild trade deadline day:
– With Tucker Kraft lost for the season, the Packers are signing TE McCallan Castles, per source
– With multiple offensive line injuries, the Lions are adding OL Jack Conley to the practice squad, per his agency LAA
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 4, 2025
After the injury, Kraft had to be helped off the field, and it didn’t take long before it was confirmed that he would be out for the season. Through eight games, he was leading the team with six touchdown receptions, showing impressive chemistry with Jordan Love.
He was in the midst of a breakout third season in the league, and he’ll finish the year with 32 receptions on 44 targets for 489 receiving yards. Now, they will most likely turn to Luke Musgrave, with the recently signed McCallan Castles providing some depth.
He went undrafted out of Tennessee in 2024, and while he has yet to play a single snap in the league, he’s spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Chargers.
The Packers Missed a Big Opportunity
While this was a necessary move, it seems like the Packers could’ve been a little more aggressive in their pursuit of a replacement for Kraft. They had a chance to make a run at Tennessee Titans’ Chig Okonkwo or Cleveland Browns’ David Njoku, two proven pass catchers who could’ve provided a big boost to the passing game.
READ MORE: 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Tracker
Musgrave only has nine receptions on ten targets for 88 receiving yards this season, and while he’s shown glimpses as a pass catcher, he will have some big shoes to fill. The Packers have more than enough weapons in the passing game, and Jordan Love should be able to spread the wealth around his wide receivers.
Still, with how well he’s played in intermediate routes, the Packers would’ve been better off making a move for a reliable threat as opposed to just promoting a player.