Not only do the Green Bay Packers expect Luke Musgrave to be on injured reserve due to a solemn ankle injury, but the team’s rising star at tight end — Tucker Kraft — is now dealing with a groin injury.
On Thursday, the Packers added Kraft to the Week 6 injury report. He was deemed a circumscribed player during Thursday’s training.
The injuries to Musgrave and Kraft facilitate explain why the Packers are signing John FitzPatrick from the Atlanta Falcons practice squad.
The only updates on the injury report were Musgrave and Kraft. On Wednesday, Musgrave stopped participating in the show and on Thursday he was no longer a contestant, with Kraft being the only modern addition.
It’s unclear whether Kraft’s injury will limit Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Packers will release their final injury report with game status on Friday afternoon.
In five games, Kraft recorded 16 catches for 218 yards and a team-high three touchdown catches. Not only has Kraft been the primary run blocker this season, but he also has 10 catches for 141 yards and three scores in the last two games, showing his great potential in the passing game. His biggest play in Week 5 came when he broke a tackle and ran into the end zone for a 66-yard score. His post-catch ability proved to be an elite feature of the Packers offense.
Until FitzPatrick is added to the 53-man roster, which could happen on Friday, the only fit tight end on the roster is sophomore Ben Sims. 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’s game against the Cardinals.
“It’s a next-man-up mentality,” Kraft said of Musgrave. “It breaks my heart that he has to deal with the injury. The next guy is always ready. I believe in Ben, he will be ready.
Kraft was on the field for 83 percent of the Packers’ offensive snaps through five games in 2024.
