Tucker Kraft has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL during his impressive 2025 season with the Green Bay Packers. He has helped them achieve a 5-2-1 record, as they currently sit atop the NFC North division.
He was forced to leave their Week 9 game early due to a knee injury and was unable to return to the contest. He received a devastating update on the severity of the injury on Monday following further evaluation.
Tucker Kraft Injury Update and Recovery Timeline
Kraft exited the Packers’ Week 9 game against the Carolina Panthers with a knee injury in the third quarter. He was helped off the field by the medical staff before eventually being carted into the locker room.
This is never a good sign for an injury outlook, and the superstar tight end received a devastating confirmation on Monday morning regarding the severity of the situation. NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared the update from a Packers source.
“It is, in fact, a torn ACL. Kraft is out for the season,” reported Rapoport.
It is, in fact, a torn ACL. Kraft is out for the season. https://t.co/x8TLRKFc4T
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2025
The Packers reportedly feared that this would be the outcome of his MRI, and the diagnosis of a torn ACL confirmed their concerns. This will be a season-ending injury and one that could impact his availability for the start of next season as well. He has a long recovery ahead, and the franchise will struggle to replace his massive contributions.
PFSN’s Impact Rankings place him as the best overall tight end this season and the only player in his position to receive a grade in the A-range. He has already totaled 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns across just eight games this year.
He has been the most reliable pass catcher for Jordan Love, as the Packers have been dealing with several injuries to their wide receivers, including Jayden Reed and Christian Watson. His absence leaves a massive hole in their offense, so some of their other options will need to step up in a big way.
Luke Musgrave is the top candidate on their current roster to fill his role, as he did upon his early Week 9 exit. Musgrave recorded three receptions in the fourth quarter of the game and was once considered an elite prospect just a few years ago.
His 2023 rookie season included 34 receptions for 352 yards across 11 games before he suffered an injury of his own. This resulted in Kraft’s eventual breakout, but their roles are now reversed again.