The Green Bay Packers suffered a devastating blow in their 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday when tight end Tucker Kraft went down with a serious knee injury. The setback came during the third quarter of what was already a frustrating game for Green Bay.
The defeat dropped the Packers to 5-2-1 on the season and added to the growing list of concerns for a team once viewed as one of the NFC’s most balanced squads.
Kraft, who had been one of the Packers’ brightest stars this year, was injured on a run play as he pulled to his right to block. During the motion, his leg twisted awkwardly after colliding with a defender, and he immediately went down in visible pain.
Medical staff rushed to his side, and after a brief evaluation on the field, he was helped off and later carted to the locker room for further tests. Reports following the game indicated that the Packers fear a severe knee injury, potentially an ACL tear, which would likely sideline him for the rest of the season.
#Packers TE Tucker Kraft (knee) and WR Matthew Golden (shoulder) have been ruled out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2025
The timing of the injury couldn’t be worse for Green Bay. Kraft had been in the midst of a breakout year, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. Through eight weeks, he had 30 catches for 469 yards and six scores, cementing his status as one of the top tight ends in the league.
The loss to Carolina only magnified the pressure on head coach Matt LaFleur, who is already facing heavy scrutiny from fans and analysts. The team’s inconsistent performances, coupled with late-game collapses, have led to mounting frustration among supporters.
Many are calling for changes on the sideline, arguing that the Packers have underachieved despite their talented roster.
Matt LaFleur on Tucker Kraft’s Injury
After the game, Matt LaFleur expressed clear concern over Tucker Kraft’s status, acknowledging that the injury appeared serious and that losing him would be a huge setback. He explained that Kraft was hurt while executing a blocking assignment to his right on a running play, where he collided awkwardly and went down clutching his right knee.
LaFleur emphasized that replacing Kraft will be a major challenge. The tight end has been a cornerstone of the offense and a locker room leader, known for his preparation, toughness, and consistency.
“(Replacing him) is gonna be tough. It’s football. Other guys are gonna have to step up,” LaFleur said.
The coach also pointed to Luke Musgrave as the next man up at the tight end position. Musgrave, a 2023 second-round pick, now steps into a much larger role as the Packers adjust their offense without Kraft.
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