Tight end Tucker Kraft returned to practice on Friday during the Green Bay Packers’ third training camp workout at Ray Nitschke Field, according to reports from the Green Bay Packers. Kraft has been activated off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list following an ACL injury, as noted by ESPN.
Gradual Return to Field Work
While Kraft participated in individual drills on Friday, he has not yet returned to team drills, according to sports.yahoo.com. The fourth-year tight end is currently following a slow ramp-up process to ensure consistency. Kraft stated that General Manager Brian Gutekunst is essentially protecting me from myself
because he is all gas
and lacks brakes
like a tricycle.
Medical staff have informed Kraft that his knee looks spectacular
. However, he is still waiting for the green light from the medical staff and Gutekunst to begin participating in 11-on-11 snaps. Kraft does not expect to play in any preseason games, but he expressed hope to be a full participant in joint practices against the Arizona Cardinals during the final week of training camp.
Recovery and Motivation
Kraft cited wide receiver Christian Watson as a source of inspiration during his recovery. Watson previously returned from a torn ACL and earned a long-term contract extension this offseason. Kraft noted that seeing Watson bounce back and laying the path for me essentially in the training room
provided a successful road map and the confidence to compete at a high level again.
Contract Status and Camp Context
Kraft’s return to the field occurs while his agent and the Packers are in ongoing negotiations for a new contract. Despite the pending deal, Kraft said he has no qualms about practicing and has accepted it’s all part of the plan
.
The return of the star tight end comes as the team manages other roster movements and injuries. On Friday, the Packers released kicker Lenny Krieg and receiver Brendan Rice—who had missed his first practice with a hamstring injury—to make room for long snapper Cal Adomitis and receiver Kaden Prather. Additionally, offensive lineman Jager Burton missed Friday’s session due to a short-term hamstring issue.
Other Training Camp Highlights
The third day of camp featured several standout performances from the receiving corps:
- Christian Watson: The fifth-year receiver scored two touchdowns in the final red zone period. One was a 10-yard reception in the flat after a fake to RB Josh Jacobs, and the second was a quick slant in the back of the end zone.
- Matthew Golden: The receiver recorded a 50-plus-yard touchdown and a jump ball in double coverage. He has been receiving priority looks over Jayden Reed in two-receiver sets with the starting offense.
Defensively, the first-team unit won the two-minute drill, aided by two pass breakups from cornerback Keisean Nixon. Meanwhile, rookie fourth-round pick Dani Dennis-Sutton has been consistently rotating into the interior line during presumed obvious passing downs.
