The Green Bay Packers struggled through a disappointing 2025 season, finishing with a 9-8-1 record despite boasting a talented roster that included a trade for star defensive end Micah Parsons just before the season began. They notably surrendered a 21-3 lead in the Wild Card playoff against the Bears, losing 31-27 after giving up 25 points in the fourth quarter. The team’s late-game collapses continued with five consecutive losses to end the year, leaving them with the fourth-longest losing streak in the NFL entering 2026. Added challenges include losses in free agency and the absence of a first-round draft pick.

Tight end Tucker Kraft emerged as one of the Packers' most vital players in 2025 before suffering a torn ACL on November 2. Prior to his injury, Kraft was having an All-Pro caliber season with 32 receptions, 489 receiving yards, and six touchdowns in eight games. His production placed him among elite company as one of the few tight ends since the 1970 merger to match such stats early in a season, outperforming most tight ends in yards per catch, yards after catch, and explosive receptions. Kraft's injury had a notable negative effect on the Packers' offense, which declined in scoring average from 27.6 points in games he played to 19.8 points after he was sidelined.

Kraft’s rise to prominence followed a challenging start to his career. Drafted in the third round in 2023 out of South Dakota State, he showed significant improvement after a kidney injury to Luke Musgrave gave him more playing time late in his rookie year. In 2024, Kraft was a Pro Bowl alternate after leading Packers tight ends with 707 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, marking the best tight end season for Green Bay since 2011. His impressive average yards after catch ranked second-best among NFL tight ends since 2000, highlighting his ability to create big plays.

Looking to the 2026 season, Kraft remains optimistic about returning by Week 1 despite starting training camp potentially on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he works back to full strength. His contract year adds extra stakes to his performance, as the Packers will want to see if he can regain his All-Pro form before committing long-term. Coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Jordan Love have expressed confidence in Kraft’s recovery and impact, underscoring his importance to the offense’s success moving forward.