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Tucker Kraft Set For Bounce-Back Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a low-end TE1 with considerable upside. Kraft caught two of three targets for 15 yards against the Jets, but his underlying usage remained strong. He played all 50 offensive snaps and posted a 94% route participation rate after playing just 66% of the snaps in Week 1. Kraft has five catches for 80 yards through two games, and Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, which should create additional opportunities alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. Kraft has averaged 9.1 yards after the catch per reception since entering the league, highlighting his ability to create after the catch. Atlanta also presents a favorable matchup, having allowed 19.4 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, the seventh-most in the NFL, including two touchdown receptions last week. RotoBaller ranks Kraft TE9 for Week 3. Start him as a back-end TE1 with the usage and matchup to challenge for a top-six finish.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Packers Considering Using Tucker Kraft on The Offensive Line
The Green Bay Packers offensive line is in shambles early on this season, and it got worse when right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Week 2 win over the New York Jets. Bako-Bewele was one of four offensive linemen for Green Bay to leave Sunday's game with an injury, and at one point, the coaches were talking about using tight end Tucker Kraft at one of the O-line positions, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. Head coach Matt LaFleur and the rest of the coaching staff will have a hard time coming up with an O-line combination that helps their struggling running game against the Atlanta Falcons. Kraft was on his way to a career season in 2025 before suffering a season-ending torn ACL. Expectations this year were not lowered for the 25-year-old. He caught three passes for 65 yards in the season-opening loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, but he followed it up with just two catches for 15 yards against the Jets. If he is forced to help the O-line and block more, it will be bad news for his fantasy football upside going into Thursday's matchup with Atlanta.
Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
Jonnu Smith's Week 1 Role Limits His Fantasy Appeal
Green Bay Packers tight end Jonnu Smith put up 50 receiving yards in Week 1, but 43 of them came on one catch. The rest of the usage was less encouraging. Smith played 32 of Green Bay's 68 offensive snaps and drew three targets, while Tucker Kraft played 45 snaps and saw six. Kraft was making his return from a torn ACL, yet he still handled the larger share of the work and finished with three catches for 65 yards. Smith only joined Green Bay at the end of August, so his role could grow as he gets more comfortable in the offense. The Packers also used multiple tight ends heavily in the opener, which keeps Smith involved. Still, the early pecking order was pretty clear. Kraft was the more prominent receiving option, and Smith needed one 43-yard play to get to 50 yards. That makes Smith's Week 1 box score look better than the underlying role did.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft Offers TE1 Upside In Week 2 Against Jets
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Week 2 against the New York Jets with TE1 appeal after producing two explosive receptions of 30 and 23 yards in his return from last season's torn ACL. Kraft played 45 offensive snaps against Minnesota, turning six targets into three catches for 65 yards. Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed were all active, reinforcing Kraft's place in Green Bay's passing game. Kraft now faces a Jets defense that blitzed on 46.2% of its defensive snaps in Week 1, the third-highest rate in the league. Green Bay could be without starting offensive linemen Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele, who are both questionable with knee injuries. The Jets will be without safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin), who has been ruled out with a groin injury. Jonnu Smith also drew three targets and caught two passes for 50 yards in Week 1, adding some uncertainty to Kraft's weekly target volume. Since 2023, Kraft's 9.1 YAC per reception leads all NFL tight ends with at least 50 catches. His ability to create after the catch gives him upside even on modest target volume. Start him as a low-end TE1 in Week 2. In DFS, Kraft's uncertain target floor and YAC upside make him more appealing in tournaments.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Packers
The Green Bay Packers and tight end Tucker Kraft have agreed to a contract extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. With Kraft's rookie contract set to expire after the 2026 season, the Packers were able to lock him in for four more years, with the contract now running through 2030. Rapoport reports that Kraft will average $19.66 million over the first three years, and the overall deal is a four-year contract worth $75 million, with a maximum value of $92 million. Kraft will receive a $26.5 million signing bonus. Kraft (knee) suffered a torn ACL last November, but is not on the injury report heading into a Week 1 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. It is unclear if Kraft will be on any kind of pitch count. Kraft ranks as RotoBaller's No. 5 tight end for Week 1.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Tucker Kraft A Mid-Range TE1 Against Vikings
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft looks to continue his early-season momentum from last season into Week 1 as the Packers head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. From Week 1 through Week 8 of last season, Kraft was TE1 in fantasy points per game and had five weeks of TE10 or better in those weeks, including two overall TE1 weeks. Kraft suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 9 against Carolina that shut his breakout season down, but he's off the Packers' injury report and is good to go for Week 1. It's possible Kraft's workload may be a bit more managed in the season's first few weeks, but when he's on the field, he's arguably the team's most dynamic receiver and YAC threat. Kraft is a no-brainer TE1 for fantasy against the Vikings in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft Unlikely to Receive Extension Before Week 1
The Green Bay Packers and tight end Tucker Kraft are unlikely to agree to terms on an extension before the start of the season, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kraft is reportedly seeking a top-of-market deal as he enters the final year of his rookie contract with Green Bay. The 25-year-old had his 2025 season cut short after he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9. However, Kraft was in the midst of a breakout campaign before suffering the injury, recording 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets across eight games. As long as he can stay healthy, Kraft profiles as a high-end TE1 option for fantasy managers entering 2026.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Tucker Kraft's Contract Talks Could Reset Tight End Market
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft remains in contract talks with the team, and the next deal at the position could be a big one. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Green Bay hopes to get something done by the end of Week 1, with Kraft in position to become the first tight end to reach $20 million per year. George Kittle currently tops the market at $19.1 million annually, just ahead of Trey McBride at $19 million. Kraft is entering the final year of his rookie contract after catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games last season before tearing his ACL against Carolina. He returned from the PUP list on July 31 and worked back into 11-on-11 drills in August. If the two sides can close the gap, Kraft's deal could be the one that finally pushes the tight-end market past $20 million.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tucker Kraft Not on the Week 1 Injury Report
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is not listed on the team's Week 1 injury report as they get set to take on the division-rival Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kraft is ready to roll for the season opener after suffering a season-ending torn ACL last year. There were some reports during training camp this summer that suggested that Kraft could be on a snap count early in the 2026 season, but since he has been practicing in full pads for weeks, that seems unlikely. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft from South Dakota State was among the best at his position last year before getting hurt, catching 32 of his 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games played, and despite coming off a serious knee injury, he is expected to be a top-five option at the TE position in 2026, especially with Packers receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks no longer in town. Start Kraft with confidence in Week 1 against the Vikings.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Tucker Kraft Trending Up as He Approaches Full Health
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) appeared to be running without any issues ahead of Thursday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports. Kraft continues to work his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in November of last year. He missed all of the preseason, but was able to take part during joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals last week. It seems that Kraft is trending in the right direction ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. He appears to be moving well and could very well be ready to go in time for the first game of the season.
Source: Matt Schneidman
Source: Matt Schneidman
Packers "Really Hopeful" Luke Musgrave Will Play This Season
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said on Tuesday that he is "really hopeful" and expects tight end Luke Musgrave (neck) to play at some point this season, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. Musgrave will open up the 2026 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which means that he will not be eligible to return until at least Week 5. The 25-year-old former second-rounder from Oregon State in 2023 could miss much more time in 2026 after not practicing at all in training camp this summer. And when Musgrave is finally cleared to rejoin the Packers, he could find himself third in the tight end room behind Tucker Kraft and recent addition Jonnu Smith. Musgrave could not capitalize with Kraft missing most of last year due to an ACL tear, as he finished with only 24 receptions on 31 targets for 252 yards and zero touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He is firmly off the fantasy radar in all league formats with the start of the regular season just around the corner.
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Tucker Kraft Could Have Competition for Targets in 2026
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) tore his ACL in Week 9 last year against the Carolina Panthers, halting what was looking like a true breakout year for the former third-rounder from South Dakota State. Despite coming off a major knee injury, fantasy managers have not been shy about drafting him as a top-five player at his position for 2026, especially after he avoided landing on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp this summer. The 25-year-old caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games a year ago, and he has 13 total touchdowns the last two seasons, making him a popular breakout candidate again this year. However, the argument for Kraft being a clear top-five TE might have taken a bit of a hit with Green Bay's signing of former Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith on Thursday. Kraft will be the Packers' unquestioned top pass-catching tight end if he is healthy, but Smith's presence could create target competition that could prevent him from reaching his true fantasy ceiling. Two years ago with the Miami Dolphins, Smith caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Packers Signing Tight End Jonnu Smith to One-Year Deal
The Green Bay Packers are signing former Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz. Smith is one of the league's most respected veterans, and he has recorded 345 career catches and 30 touchdowns in his nine years in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers will be Smith's fourth different team in the last four years. The former third-rounder in 2017 by the Titans out of Florida International had a career year in Miami in 2024, catching 88 of 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games, but he cratered to a 38-222-2 line in 17 regular-season games last year in Pittsburgh while sharing work with Pat Freiermuth. With Luke Musgrave (neck) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the 31-year-old should become Green Bay's TE2 behind Tucker Kraft (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL last year. Smith is unlikely to have standalone fantasy value with the Packers unless Kraft misses more time with an injury, but his presence is not great news for Kraft's potential breakout in 2026.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Tucker Kraft Claims he Won't be on a Snap Count
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) said on Wednesday that he is "not doing the rep count stuff anymore," according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported on Wednesday that Kraft, who tore his ACL in Week 9 last year against the Carolina Panthers, is expected to be a "full-go" for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. The 25-year-old was a full participant in the team's joint practice on Wednesday against the Arizona Cardinals and took a couple of hard hits, which backs up the notion that he should be ready for the regular-season opener without being on a snap count. The former third-rounder from South Dakota State could reach a contract extension with Green Bay soon, too, that might make him the highest-paid TE in the league. Kraft caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just eight starts in 2025 and had seven touchdowns the year before. If he can avoid another serious injury in 2026, he has a clear path to being a top-five fantasy tight end in an offense that lost two key receivers in the offseason in Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Tucker Kraft Expected to be Full-Go for Week 1
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee), who will not play in the team's preseason finale this week, is expected to be full-go for the Week 1 regular-season opener despite tearing his ACL last year, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Kraft took part in the team's joint practice against the Arizona Cardinals and took a couple of hard hits, but he did not seem to be bothered at all. "I needed some contact like that to wake up the nervous system and get ready for Week 1," said Kraft. The 25-year-old continues to practice despite not having come to an agreement with the team on a contract extension, but Kraft has made it sound like something could get done sooner rather than later. There have been reports that the Packers could put Kraft on a snap count early in the 2026 season as he continues to recover from a season-ending torn ACL, but if Wednesday is any indication, that could be out the window by the time Sept. 13 comes. After catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games last year, Kraft has clear breakout potential and top-five upside at the TE position for fantasy managers in his fourth year in the NFL.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
