Kraft's Triumphant Return
Packers' Tucker Kraft Back in 11-on-11 Drills, Scores TD After ACL Tear
Key Points
Kraft hauled in four passes and scored a touchdown in his first 11-on-11 team reps, and he celebrated with seven consecutive chest bumps (the 'starfish' moment) after reaching the end zone.
The injury that sidelined Kraft last season was described as a freak accident—he tore his ACL after running into teammate Sean Rhyan's foot on the play.
In 2025, Kraft looked on pace for a career year through eight games before the injury, totaling 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns, and he ranked among the top tight ends in PPR formats; he had a breakout 2024 as well, finishing around TE10.
The Packers were exploring Kraft’s ramp-up and potential team involvement by scheduling a joint practice with the Cardinals on August 26 as part of his return-to-full-work plan.
Forbes highlights Kraft’s All-Pro-caliber 2025 season and notes his high efficiency and eight-game production, underscoring his value to Green Bay's offense as they push for continued impact in 2026.
Tucker Kraft is back. The Green Bay Packers tight end returned to 11-on-11 team drills for the first time since tearing his ACL last November, and he wasted no time making an impression. The New York Times reported Kraft caught all five of his targets from quarterback Jordan Love and scored a touchdown in his first reps back with the full offense.
After reaching the end zone, Kraft celebrated with seven straight chest bumps — a moment that quickly became the talk of Packers camp. Coach Matt LaFleur teased before practice that Kraft was "in for a treat," and the tight end delivered, TSN reported, as he awaits a contract extension that could push into the $20 million-per-year range.
From Freak ACL Tear to Touchdown in Camp
Kraft's ACL tear last November was a freak accident. He tore his knee after running into teammate Sean Rhyan's foot on the play — a random collision that ended what was shaping up to be a career season. Through eight games in 2025, Kraft had hauled in 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns, ranking among the top tight ends in fantasy football formats, according to Wausau Daily Herald.
His return to full team drills signals real progress. Kraft caught four passes and scored in his first 11-on-11 session, then celebrated in unforgettable fashion. Green Bay Press Gazette described the scene at camp as Kraft connecting immediately with Love, showing no visible hesitation despite months of rehab.
Week 1 Against the Vikings Is the Target
The Packers have September 13 circled on the calendar. That is the date of Green Bay's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, and Wausau Daily Herald reports Kraft is expected to play. The team is managing his ramp-up carefully, including a joint practice scheduled with the Arizona Cardinals on August 26 as a key step in his return-to-full-work plan.
Getting Kraft back for Week 1 would matter a lot for Green Bay's offense. His return could open up two-tight-end formations and give Jordan Love another reliable target. The risk is simple: push too fast and the knee could be a problem again. The Packers are watching every rep closely.
Big Contract Talks Hinge on Kraft's Health
Kraft's on-field return is happening alongside contract negotiations. TSN reported he is waiting on a new deal as he rejoins team drills. Market benchmarks are high — Arizona's Trey McBride recently landed $43 million in guaranteed money. A deal pushing Kraft toward $20 million per year would reflect his standing as one of the league's top young tight ends.
His 2025 numbers before the injury made that price tag easy to defend. Kraft's efficiency and eight-game production put him in All-Pro conversation, according to Packers News. Health is now the key variable. A clean bill heading into the season strengthens his leverage. A setback would complicate everything.
What Kraft's Comeback Means for Green Bay in 2026
The Packers built their offense around Kraft before he got hurt. His 2024 season was a breakout — he finished around TE10 league-wide. His 2025 pace before the injury was even better. Getting him back healthy means Jordan Love has a genuine weapon in the middle of the field again, one who can both block and beat coverage.
The New York Times noted Kraft's return was one of the most closely watched storylines at Packers camp. The seven chest bumps after the touchdown told the whole story. Kraft is healthy, motivated, and back in the mix. Green Bay's offense — and his contract talks — look a lot brighter because of it.
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