The Green Bay Packers were dealt a devastating blow in Week 9 when star tight end Tucker Kraft suffered a significant knee injury.
The injury occurred in the loss to the Carolina Panthers. What makes the injury more depressing is the fact that Kraft was in the midst of a career-best season and he was cementing himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Through eight games, Kraft posted 489 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He was just 218 yards shy of his career-high in yardage and was just one touchdown shy of his personal best touchdowns mark.
Kraft is going to be on the shelf for a long time, but will he return this season? Here's what we know.
Is Tucker Kraft coming back this season?
No, Kraft will not play again in 2025.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Adam Schefter, Kraft tore the ACL in his right knee and will be out for the rest of the season.
The good news is that, barring any setbacks, Kraft figures to be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign, although that has yet to be confirmed.
The Packers are going to need the rest of their pass-catchers to step up with Kraft out. Luke Musgrave will step into Kraft's role and fellow tight ends John FitzPatrick and Josh Whyle should also see more work.
Musgrave was actually drafted the same year as Kraft, and one round earlier, but he hasn't had anywhere near the success Kraft has.
That said, Musgrave is capable of making an impact in the passing game and the Packers will need him to do that moving forward.
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