The Green Bay Packers were on the field for the first time at training camp on Wednesday as they started preparations for the 2026 season. Head coach Matt LaFleur already indicated he was “as excited as I’ve ever been” at the start of training camp. And yet, on the first day the team was on the practice field, the Packers received mixed news about the tight end position that could have a major impact on the offense once the season starts.

Packers Get Good News and Bad News at Tight End: The Good News

The Packers announced that starting tight end Tucker Kraft will start training camp on the PUP list (physically unable to perform). That means he is not yet ready to begin practicing with the team. With this designation, the Packers can activate Kraft off the PUP list at any time during camp when he is ready to practice.

However, the overall prognosis for Kraft remains positive. Matt Schneidman of The Athletic recently made an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show and had this to say about Kraft’s season.

“Kraft told us that he expects to play in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings,” Schneidman said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the highest-paid tight end in the league here in the next couple [of] weeks — maybe even before he steps on the field.”

So, not only do the Packers expect to have Kraft on the field in time for Week 1, but Schneidman expects the long-awaited contract extension with Kraft to be completed before the start of the season as well.

On Wednesday, Kraft said he expects to return “sooner rather than later.”

Before his season-ending injury in the team’s eighth game last season, Kraft was on pace to become the first tight end in Packers franchise history to gain 1,000-yards receiving in a season.

Signing Kraft to an extension would complete GM Brian Gutekunst’s offseason goal of extending key players. He has already extended Christian Watson, Devonte Wyatt, Jayden Reed, and Isaiah McDuffie.

The Bad News

The Packers also announced bad news at tight end to open camp. Backup tight end Luke Musgrave was not on the field and also started training camp on the PUP list. According to Gutekunst, Musgrave is dealing with a neck injury. His prognosis remains uncertain.

“We’re working through it to see if it’ll be something long term or not,” Gutekunst told reporters. “With heads, necks and hearts, it’s a little bit more sensitive than other injuries, right? You’ve got to take that a little bit slower and make sure what you know is what you know. This is a neck injury, so we’ll take our time and make sure we know what we know before we put him in any kind of risk.”

Like Kraft, Musgrave will enter his contract year in 2026. Musgrave earned the starting job out of training camp in his rookie year but lost it to Kraft when he suffered a lacerated kidney midway through that 2023 season. His rookie year remains his most productive with 34 catches for 352 yards and his only career regular season touchdown. Last season, Musgrave caught 24 passes for 252 yards while playing all 17 games. He started 10 games after Kraft suffered his season-ending torn ACL.

Packers Get Good News and Bad News at Tight End: The Impact

If Kraft is ready to start the season that gives the Packers an important weapon in their offense. Kraft gives quarterback Jordan Love a reliable check down option and red zone option. He remains one of the best tight ends at running with the ball after the catch. The South Dakota State alum does a great job of turning short passes into longer gains because he is so tough to tackle one-on-one.

Musgrave’s absence could change things when it comes to deciding who makes the initial 53-man roster. If Musgrave isn’t the primary backup, Josh Whyle would be the favorite to win the battle for that spot. There is plenty of competition on the roster with Messiah Swinson, RJ Maryland, Luke Lachey and Drake Dabney battling for the job.

The impact could also be big for Musgrave, who will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason unless the Packers sign him to a new contract. If he misses significant time, it could cost him a significant amount of money.

This situation requires further monitoring. Hopefully, Musgrave’s injury will not be a long-term issue, and Kraft is ready to return to practice soon. Tight end will be a key position for the Packers offense this season so getting everybody healthy will be critical as well.

 

 

 

 

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