Not only are the Green Bay Packers expecting to place tight end Luke Musgrave on injured reserve with a serious ankle injury, but the team’s ascending star at the tight end position — Tucker Kraft — now has a groin injury.
The Packers added Kraft to the Week 6 injury report on Thursday. He was listed as limited during Thursday’s practice.
The injuries to Musgrave and Kraft help explain why the Packers are signing tight end John FitzPatrick off the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons.
Musgrave and Kraft were the only updates to the injury report on Thursday. Musgrave went from limited on Wednesday to non-participant on Thursday, while Kraft was the only new addition.
It’s unclear if Kraft’s injury will be limiting for Sunday’s showdown with the Arizona Cardinals. The Packers will release a final injury report with playing status designations on Friday afternoon.
Through five games, Kraft has 16 catches for 218 yards and a team-high three touchdown catches. Not only has he been a key run blocker this season, but Kraft has 10 catches for 141 yards and three scores over the last two games, showcasing his enormous potential in the passing game. His highlight play in Week 5 came when he broke a tackle and raced into the end zone for a 66-yard score. His ability after the catch has proved to be an elite trait for the Packers offense.
Until FitzPatrick is added to the 53-man roster, which could happen Friday, second-year tight end Ben Sims is the only healthy tight end on the roster. The Packers also have rookie Messiah Swinson on the practice squad.
Kraft answered questions at his locker on Thursday, and there was no suggestion he wouldn’t be available for Sunday against the Cardinals.
“It’s the next man up mentality,” Kraft said of Musgrave. “It breaks my heart that he has to go through an injury. The next guy is always ready. I believe in Ben, he will be ready.”
Kraft has been on the field for 83 percent of the offense’s snaps for the Packers through five games in 2024.