The Green Bay Packers’ offense has been steadily finding its rhythm under Jordan Love. With young playmakers developing into reliable contributors, Matt LaFleur’s system is taking shape and beginning to hum. But just as the unit seemed to be building momentum, the team was hit with a concerning update that clouds the outlook for a crucial Week 3 matchup.
LaFleur, in his steady and deliberate style, revealed a piece of news on Friday that could have real implications for the balance of Love’s offense. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, “The Packers TE Tucker Kraft will not practice today. HC Matt LaFleur told reporters that he didn’t think Kraft needed to go on injured reserve, but he also was uncertain about his status for Sunday’s game at Cleveland.” Per the Packers Wire, HC said, “I don’t believe so. It’s unfortunate; it is what it is. I don’t think it will be long-term, that’s a positive. But he will not be out there today.” While he stressed that Kraft’s situation doesn’t appear to warrant injured reserve, the head coach admitted there is no guarantee the second-year tight end will be available for Sunday’s road test against the Cleveland Browns.
Tucker Kraft’s status is uncertain due to a knee injury sustained during practice on Thursday, September 18. Head coach Matt LaFleur described the injury as a “little tweak” and emphasized that it is not expected to be a long-term issue. However, Kraft missed practice on Friday, September 19, and his availability for the game remains a game-time decision, pending further evaluation. The Packers will continue to monitor Kraft’s condition leading up to the game, and a final decision on his participation will be made closer to kickoff.
Tucker Kraft’s Questionable Status Puts Packers’ Offensive Balance at Risk
That uncertainty cuts deeper than the Packers would like. Kraft has become one of the most important complementary pieces in Green Bay’s attack. He has been a player whose value isn’t always captured on the stat sheet. His breakout stretch last season with 50 catches at 70 targets covered 707 yards in total. He also landed seven touchdowns over the total 17 games. There has been a great connection, as the quarterback himself acknowledged.
For instance, after a victory over the Houston Texans, Kraft mentioned that Love “trusts me to go make a play,” highlighting the quarterback’s confidence in him. Additionally, Love has praised Kraft’s consistency, stating, “That’s who Tuck is every day. He’s very consistent right now. I don’t think it’s a secret for him to go out there and ball like he does.”
Tucker Kraft has become an important part of the Packers’ offense not just as a receiver but as a key contributor in the running game. According to Pro Football Focus, Kraft earned an 80.0 overall grade in 2025. It has ranked him second among all NFL tight ends. His run-blocking grade of 90.1 highlights his ability to create space and support the ground attack, which makes him a versatile piece in both passing and rushing situations. But as the next matchup is against the Browns, his presence matters.
Tucker Kraft’s Presence Matters for the Browns Matchup
That becomes even more critical given the opponent. The Browns enter the matchup with one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenses. It is a group that thrives on collapsing pockets and erasing quick reads. Green Bay managed to escape with a 24–22 win in their last meeting in 2021 with the Browns. But Cleveland still holds a 12–9 advantage in the all-time series. Under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns have been relentless in pressuring quarterbacks, and every missing piece of protection only amplifies that threat.
For now, the Packers remain hopeful, waiting to see if Kraft can recover in time to travel with the team. But as LaFleur’s words suggested, uncertainty lingers. And for a young offense still forging its identity, the potential loss of a tight end who provides both security and versatility could be the kind of detail that decides a game.
