Green Bay Packers standout tight end Tucker Kraft advanced significantly on Sunday by participating fully in 11-on-11 practice drills. This marks his first involvement in competitive team exercises since tearing his ACL in Week 9 of the 2025 season. Kraft quickly demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the top tight ends in the NFL. He caught multiple passes from quarterback Jordan Love, including a touchdown.
During Tuesday’s practice, Kraft’s competitiveness was evident as he and All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin, a prominent offseason addition to the team, clashed physically. On a flat-route catch, Kraft and Franklin collided im the open field with significant impact. Later, Franklin hit Kraft with his shoulder just after Kraft caught a pass over the middle, which sent Kraft to the ground. Their previous encounter occurred last summer when Franklin, then with the Colts, scuffled with Kraft during a joint practice between Indianapolis and Green Bay. Franklin, now Kraft’s teammate, has moved beyond their past and expressed strong admiration for Kraft after Tuesday’s practice.
“He’s a dog,” Franklin said. “That’s how it’s supposed to be. I feel like with Tuck being out there, I told him, ‘I feel like that’s what the team is missing.’ Like, he brings that same energy, that same competitiveness, that same mentality that I feel like I bring on the defense. That’s what Tuck can do for the offense. So it was great to have him out there, great to compete.”
Kraft was selected by the Packers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft as the 78th overall pick from South Dakota State. Over just three seasons, he has become one of the leading pass-catching tight ends in the league. In 2024, Kraft recorded 50 catches on 70 targets, amassing 707 yards and seven touchdowns across 17 games. Last season, before his injury, he was on track to surpass these career highs. In the eight games he played in 2025, he achieved 32 catches on 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 15.3 yards per catch, the highest for any tight end in the league. Had he maintained this pace over a full 17-game season, he would have likely exceeded 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, with nearly 70 catches, potentially positioning him for All-Pro recognition.
Although Kraft has not yet played in a preseason game, and with only two left, he might not make an appearance. However, all indicators suggest he is set to play by Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.
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