Key Takeaways:
– Second-year tight end Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers’ won’t participate in planned OTAs due to injury.
– Kraft predicted to be fully fit in time for the training camp season.
– The competition for Green Bay’s third tight end is expected to be intense among Ben Sims, Tyler Davis, Joel Wilson, and Messiah Swinson.
In what was both a blow and a surprise for Green Bay Packers’ fans, Tucker Kraft, the team’s second-year tight end, will be missing essential offseason workouts due to an injury. As reported by Andy Herman from Pack-A-Day on Tuesday, May 21, Kraft was on the sidelines with his arm in a sling, rather than actively participating in the practice.
A Sudden Setback for Kraft
Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Kraft’s injury news in his post-practice discussion with reporters. Drawing from his negative experience, LaFleur hinted towards a torn pectoral muscle being the cause behind Kraft’s sling. He also stated that Kraft is expected to be out until the start of the training camp. While this does promise a return of a 100% fit Kraft at training camp, it also means the promising player will end up missing vital offseason training.
Reflecting on Kraft’s Impressive Rookie Season
The South Dakota native’s first season in the National Football League (NFL) was marked by considerable performance, outdoing expectations for a rookie player. Though Tucker Kraft was relatively unknown in his high school days in Timber Lake, he grabbed eyeballs while playing for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. During his stint with the Jackrabbits, Kraft turned into a two-time FCS All-American and bagged back-to-back first-team All-Missouri Valley selections.
The Green Bay Packers invested their third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Kraft. However, the steep competition from fellow tight end Luke Musgrave made it challenging for Kraft to secure early playing time. An unexpected fray to Musgrave provided Kraft some field time where he excelled. Clocking in 31 receptions for 355 yards and two touchdowns, Kraft indeed made his mark in the inaugural season.
Rising Competition for the Third Spot
While Kraft and Musgrave’s early career performances have established them as starting caliber tight ends, competition for the Packers’ third tight end on the depth chart is anticipated to be tense. Ben Sims, who acted as the third tight end for much of the last season, might face challenges from Tyler Davis who was expected to be TE3 on the depth chart last season. Davis, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a torn ACL injury, is set to return and stakes a claim to his previous spot.
Also in the run to compete for the ‘third tight end’ spot will be Joel Wilson and Messiah Swinson, though both are considered long shots for making it to the final 53-man roster. Amidst all the existing and anticipated competition, fans eagerly anticipate Kraft’s return and his performance in the upcoming training camp once he’s back on his feet.