Packers Get Major Tucker Kraft Update as Star Tight End Comes Off PUP List

The Green Bay Packers received some of their best injury news of the offseason on Friday. Star tight end Tucker Kraft was officially activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, a significant milestone in his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last November. While Kraft won’t immediately jump into full team activities, his return to the practice field is another strong indication that he’s on track to be ready for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

For a Packers offense that badly missed him down the stretch last season, that’s a huge development.

Tucker Kraft Is Ahead of Schedule

What’s particularly encouraging is the timing. Kraft underwent surgery less than nine months ago, yet he’s already been cleared to take the next step in his recovery. Before camp began, Green Bay officials consistently emphasized caution, referencing the organization’s preference to wait until players reach the nine-month mark before fully returning from ACL injuries.

Yet Kraft’s progress clearly impressed the coaching staff.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said the tight end will begin participating in individual drills and walkthrough sessions as he gradually works his way back into football activities.

“It’s great when they do come off PUP,” LaFleur said. “Now he can partake in some of the walk-through periods … just to get him back hearing the call, lining up and then just going through that.”

The message is clear: Green Bay isn’t rushing him, but they’re also comfortable with where his recovery stands.

Packers Need Kraft Back

Before suffering the injury, Kraft was emerging as one of the most dangerous tight ends in football.

At the time he went down, he had recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns while averaging more than 15 yards per catch. Through nine weeks, he was the only NFL tight end with at least 30 catches, 475 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and a 15-yard average per reception.

Those aren’t just good numbers. They’re elite numbers. Kraft had become one of Jordan Love’s most trusted targets and a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses.

His combination of size, speed, physicality, and yards-after-catch ability gave Green Bay an element that few teams could match at the position.

Contract Talks Add Another Layer

The injury update comes at an interesting time because Kraft’s future in Green Bay is also a major storyline.

He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, and both the player and the organization have publicly acknowledged their desire to reach a long-term extension.

General manager Brian Gutekunst recently confirmed that discussions have already taken place, while Kraft himself made it clear this week that he’d like to get something done sooner rather than later.

“I think it would be best if we got it done as soon as possible,” Kraft said.

According to reports, negotiations remain in the early stages, but the mutual interest appears genuine.

Another Sign the Packers Have Their Tight End of the Future

Activation from the PUP list doesn’t guarantee immediate participation in team drills, but it’s another sign that the Packers expect Kraft to play a major role this season.

The organization has been consistently optimistic about his recovery, and Friday’s move validates that optimism.

Now the focus shifts toward gradually increasing his workload and ensuring he’s fully ready for the season opener.

If everything continues on its current trajectory, the Packers could enter Week 1 with a healthy Tucker Kraft and potentially a contract extension on the horizon.

For a player who was becoming one of the focal points of Green Bay’s offense before his injury, that’s excellent news for both the team and its fans.