After a bye week, the Green Bay Packers team is back in full strength. All 52 players on the roster practiced Wednesday, including Jaire Alexander, Evan Williams and Josh Myers, who missed the final game against the Detroit Lions.
While the return of these key players is a great sign, it wasn’t the only positive news on the injury front. Tight end Tucker Kraft, who had worn a red non-contact jersey since Week 4, has returned to his regular practice jersey, meaning he is back to full strength.
Kraft initially injured his shoulder during Green Bay’s Week 3 victory over the Tennessee Titans, but was able to finish the game. Since then, he has worn a red jersey in training to reduce the risk of further injuries. Despite restricted training, Kraft has appeared in all nine games this season and has played a key role in the offense.
Kraft leads the team with five touchdowns this season and ranks second among tight ends. His 28 catches for 376 yards also represent a significant improvement over last year, when he finished with 31 receptions for 355 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.
Beyond the stats, Kraft has become one of the Packers’ most physical players. Whether lining up or out of space, his blocking played a key role in the team’s third-ranked offense. He also took advantage of his opportunities in front of goal. This season, Kraft ranks second in yards after the catch (266) and ranks second in missed receptions with nine targets, according to Pro Football Focus.
Kraft’s run-to-catch ability was one of his greatest strengths coming out of South Dakota State and has since found its way into the NFL. The vitality and durability that Kraft showed in every match was impressive. He’s already had a breakout year, and now that he’s back at full strength, one of the NFL’s most significant offenses could become even more risky.
