Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft made a significant return to full participation in 11-on-11 drills on Sunday. This marked his first appearance in competitive team activities since his ACL injury in Week 9 of the 2025 season. Kraft quickly demonstrated his elite abilities, catching several passes from quarterback Jordan Love, including a touchdown.
During Tuesday’s practice, Kraft’s competitive nature shined brightly. He had physical encounters with Zaire Franklin, a key offseason addition for the Packers. On one occasion, Kraft and Franklin collided forcefully during a flat-route catch. A subsequent play saw Franklin deliver a late shoulder hit after Kraft secured a catch in the middle, knocking him to the ground. Franklin and Kraft have a history dating back to a confrontation in a joint practice last summer when Franklin was with the Colts. Despite their past rivalry, Franklin spoke highly of Kraft following Tuesday’s practice.
“He’s a dog,” Franklin stated. “That’s the way it’s meant to be. With Tuck on the field, I told him, ‘That’s what the team was missing.’ He brings an intensity and competitiveness that complements what I bring on defense. Tuck can elevate the offense, and it was fantastic having him out there to compete.”
Kraft was selected as the Packers’ third-round pick (No. 78) in the 2023 NFL Draft from South Dakota State. Over three seasons, he has become one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. In 2024, Kraft recorded 50 catches from 70 targets, totaling 707 yards and seven touchdowns across 17 games. Prior to his injury in 2025, Kraft posted 32 catches on 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns over eight games, averaging 15.3 yards per reception. His performance was leading towards a remarkable season with projections exceeding 1,000 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nearly 70 catches.
While Kraft has yet to participate in a preseason game, with just two remaining, he might not appear until the regular season. Nevertheless, all indications suggest he will be fit and ready for the Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.