“I mean, he’s got to hit all the benchmarks along the way, and if that’s the case, then absolutely,” LaFleur told reporters during his press conference on Sunday. The coach does not want to rush anything with his tight end, which is why he remains cautious about his recovery.

“I think we’re obviously taking it slow with him because he’s such an important player to us,” LaFleur also added about Kraft. “But, yeah, I think he handled everything great.”

The turning point for Tucker Kraft

During the Green Bay Packers‘ 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers on November 2, 2025, Tucker Kraft suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury. In the third quarter, Kraft was moving behind the line of scrimmage on a blocking assignment when he accidentally collided with the backside of teammate Sean Rhyan. The awkward impact resulted in a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), abruptly halting what was shaping up to be a Pro Bowl campaign.

A fearsome offense for the Packers

Jordan Love’s NFL career clearly still has no limits. The dream in Green Bay becomes even bigger when considering what the quarterback could accomplish with all of his offensive weapons healthy and performing at their highest level.

On the ground, Josh Jacobs will look to continue causing problems out of the backfield. Through the air, the Packers not only have players of the caliber of Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, but they also added UFL champion Kaden Prather.

What’s next for Green Bay?

The 2026 training camp is entering its most intense stage of preparation, and LaFleur is laying the groundwork for the three preseason games ahead.

• Preseason Week 1, vs Pittsburgh Steelers (August 13)
• Preseason Week 2, vs Denver Broncos (August 21)
• Preseason Week 3, vs Arizona Cardinals (August 28)

Kraft has not participated in football activities since the devastating injury he sustained against the Carolina Panthers last November. His absence proved costly for Green Bay, which entered the 2025 season as one of the NFC’s strongest Super Bowl contenders before injuries began piling up across the roster.

Now, the Packers finally have reason for optimism. Although Kraft’s workload will remain limited in the early stages of training camp, his activation represents a significant step toward returning in time for the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Will Tucker Kraft play in Week 1 with Packers?

Tucker Kraft could be ready for Week 1. However, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that the Packers will carefully manage Kraft’s recovery rather than rushing him back into full-speed action.

“It’ll be no team periods. We’re gonna get him back ingrained into the process and individual. What’s great is when they do come off PUP, he can now partake in some of the walkthrough periods, especially that we do in the evenings, to get him back hearing the call, lining up and just going through that.”

The Packers believe getting Kraft healthy could dramatically improve the offense entering the 2026 season. Last year, they watched their Super Bowl hopes fade in 2025 as injuries to key players, including Kraft and Micah Parsons, left the roster short-handed during the most important stretch of the year.

If his recovery continues on schedule, there is growing optimism that the tight end could be available for Week 1 against the Vikings, giving the Packers one of their most important offensive weapons back just in time for the start of another championship pursuit.

NFL franchises frequently tap into the United Football League (UFL) to evaluate talent ahead of the regular season. For Prather, signing with Green Bay represents a earned second chance to prove he belongs at the highest level.

Originally selected by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round (240th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, Prather was released with an injury settlement prior to the season. He subsequently joined the UFL’s Louisville Kings for their 2026 campaign, helping the team secure a United Bowl championship. During the regular season, the 6-foot-3, 209-pound target recorded 148 receiving yards on nine receptions across nine games.

Navigating a crowded Green Bay receiver room

Prather’s arrival is aimed at boosting competition and providing training camp insurance for a wide receiver corps that has dealt with nagging injuries over recent seasons.

• Top rotation: Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and rookie standout Matthew Golden form the core passing targets for Jordan Love.
• Secondary Depth: Savion Williams, Bo Melton, and Skyy Moore occupy key rotational roles on offense and special teams.

Currently sitting lower on the early depth chart, Prather faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster. However, his physical frame and recent championship experience give head coach Matt LaFleur and the coaching staff a intriging perimeter weapon to evaluate during upcoming preseason action.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Packers are looking to extend Tucker Kraft, who is in the final year of his rookie deal. The only concern comes with Kraft’s knee injury. Kraft suffered an ACL tear in 2025 where he was on pace to get a career-year.

However, recent reports put Kraft in a good timeline to start in Week 1 for the Packers. Given that Kraft is a big guy, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 259 lbs, the surgically-repaired knee will be in big tests to see if it can withstand the intensity.

Kraft is a difference-maker

The fact is that before he got injured, Kraft was undoubtedly a top-tier weapon for Jordan Love in the Packers offense. Hence, it’s not shocking to see the Packers are trusting the recovery and already looking to give him an extension.

Kraft played eight games where he racked up 32 receptions, 489 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns. He was the second-best receiver up until that point only behind wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who is no longer on the team.

Kraft is aiming to follow the footsteps of two greats

Usually, tight ends are not able to deliver the goods straight after recovering from an ACL tear. However, greats like Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce were able to have very good seasons after tearing their ACLs.

Parsons provided an update on his rehabilitation process, making it clear that the Packers are taking a cautious approach with his recovery timeline. According to Rob Demovsky, the player explained that the injury involved more than just an ACL tear, which has extended the expected return date.

“Five months into his ACL rehab, Micah Parsons said he has four more months to go, saying that they have a strict nine-month rule especially for players who had more than just the ACL tear, revealing that he also had a meniscus procedure.”

How long is Micah Parsons out with Packers?

Micah Parsons will be out at least four games of the 2026 season. His comments became even more significant after NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared additional details regarding the Packers’ plans.

“Packers star Micah Parsons makes clear that he’ll begin the 2026 season on the PUP list, offering a target of mid-October until he’s on the field. With a long career ahead, no shortcuts.”

What happens to a player on the PUP list?

The Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list carries major implications. By opening the season on the reserve PUP list, Parsons will be required to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. That means Green Bay will have to navigate the opening month without one of the NFL’s premier defensive playmakers.

When will Micah Parsons come back?

Micah Parsons also emphasized the team’s strict nine-month recovery rule following his ACL injury. Given that timeline, a return around mid-October now appears to be the most realistic target, assuming there are no setbacks during the final stages of rehab.

Parsons is one of the NFL’s biggest stars after an impressive start to his career with the Dallas Cowboys and now with the Green Bay Packers following one of the most surprising trades in league history.

For his part, Tomlin decided to end his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons and a Super Bowl title with the historic franchise. Now, the veteran head coach is ready for a new chapter in his career.

Micah Parsons makes interesting ‘offer’ to Mike Tomlin

Micah Parsons and Mike Tomlin shared a warm exchange, with the veteran coach telling the star pass rusher, “Man, you just made my night.” Then, in a moment that caught everyone by surprise, Parsons invited Tomlin to join the Packers. “We got a spot for you. Just keep coming North.”

Mike Tomlin’s new job

Mike Tomlin is unlikely to accept Micah Parsons’ offer to join the Packers as an assistant coach or consultant, especially after signing a contract to become an NBC analyst beginning with the 2026 season.

However, in a particularly interesting moment, Parsons appeared to be completely serious about recruiting Tomlin, even though Matt LaFleur is currently the team’s head coach.

Josh Jacobs remains one of the premier running backs in the league. However, he is currently facing a serious off-the-field situation after being arrested on Tuesday and booked into the Brown County Jail on five charges—including domestic abuse and strangulation—according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Due to these sudden legal troubles, fans are understandably wondering who will step up in the Packers’ backfield if Jacobs is forced to miss time during the 2026 campaign. As of today, Chris Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd, and Pierre Strong Jr. are the primary options ready to shoulder the load.

The battle for the RB2 position

The biggest schematic shift in the running back room follows the departure of Emanuel Wilson, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. Wilson handled a combined 254 touches over the last two seasons, leaving a massive vacancy in the offense. The battle to replace that production—and potentially fill in as the starter—comes down to two contrasting styles.

Brooks has generated substantial momentum throughout early offseason workouts and currently projects as a steady contributor. His reliability in pass protection and disciplined, physical running style make him a trusted option for the coaching staff.

As for Lloyd, he is entering his third season in Green Bay and possesses the highest explosive ceiling among the backup options. Widely regarded as a dynamic big-play threat, his elite high-end speed makes him the perfect change-of-pace weapon.

Green Bay offseason schedule details

The Packers officially kicked off their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) today, May 26, though the breaking news surrounding Jacobs has naturally cast a shadow over the start of workouts. Following the conclusion of OTAs, the team’s mandatory minicamp is scheduled to take place starting June 9.

Regarding Jacobs’ ongoing legal situation, his legal team released a statement confirming they are in communication with the organization, noting that the star running back vehemently denies all allegations as the investigation unfolds.

Journalist Gery Woelfel reported on X that sources close to the Cardinals rave about Gannon’s ability to lead, even during challenging seasons filled with roster turnover. The source stated: “The players here loved him. They (the Cardinals) had a lot of injuries and lost a lot close games. But he (Gannon) kept that locker room together.”

Continuing the praise, the report emphasized that the team “bought into what he was coaching and believed in him,” suggesting a strong culture shift is coming to Wisconsin. Woelfel’s source concluded with a confident prediction for the current roster, noting that “Those players up there (in Green Bay) are going to love playing for him.”

How Gannon can evolve the Packers’ defensive unit

Gannon is focused on creating a bespoke scheme for the 2026 season, telling players the system will be a mix of his successful stints in Philadelphia, Arizona, and even college concepts. “I don’t really get caught up in ‘This is my playbook,'” Gannon explained, promising a fresh start that isn’t tied to rigid, outdated coaching philosophies.

His defensive knowledge is extensive, having served as the defensive backs coach for the Colts and the defensive coordinator for a dominant Eagles unit that reached the Super Bowl. While his record as a head coach faced hurdles, his history of developing secondary talent suggests the Packers’ defensive backfield will see immediate technical improvements.

The opportunity to work alongside Matt LaFleur and a top-tier quarterback like Jordan Love were primary factors that drew Gannon to this “iconic franchise.” By combining his experience with the stability of the Packers’ organization, Gannon aims to build a defense that is as resilient and respected as the team’s historic reputation.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the move, though the contractual details haven’t been revealed yet. What is definitely true is that Taylor is coming into a QB2 capacity after being a starter in the second half of the season on the Jets.

With Taylor behind starting QB Jordan Love, the Packers released Desmond Ridder in a corresponding move. This means Kyle McCord and Kyron Drones close the depth chart. Taylor should definitely be above Ridder in the quality department.

Is Tyrod Taylor a good replacement for Malik Willis?

Malik Willis was so good as Jordan Love’s backup that he earned a starting quarterback contract with the Miami Dolphins. Is Tyrod Taylor a good fit then? Taylor has started 62 games, so he is much more experienced than Willis in that department.

However, Taylor turns 37 before the season begins, and while somewhat mobile, Willis is much more explosive with his feet. He is a reliable backup to Jordan Love, but the playbook should be less physically-demanding with him than it was with Willis.

The Packers know they need a good backup

Some teams kind of disregard the QB2 matter, but the Packers know they can’t do that with Jordan Love. He’s missed time the last two seasons, and given that they are a playoff team, they can’t afford to throw away games if Love is not fit.

Hence, with Willis out, the Packers now needed to ensure they had a solid backup in place. Tyrod Taylor is that. He is a reliable veteran capable of winning a couple of games if needed. The Packers were clever to sign him.

Claypool was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and he impressed early on in his career. However, his attitude was an issue and he also had some injury concerns. It ended up costing him his spot on the team.

After that, he had ill-fated stints at the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reported that Claypool is in fact, attending the Packers mini-camp.

Why has Claypool not played in more than two years?

Claypool went from a very productive weapon (he racked up 1,600+ yards in his first two seasons combined) to a practice squad guy. However, it was not only that his level dipped. Injuries also played a huge role in his absence.

More specifically, it’s been a toe injury the one that hasn’t allowed him to flourish. A receiver runs a lot, and also changes directions and jumps. It’s one of the most demanding positions in football, at least physically. Hence, not being able to do any of that at a high level due to a toe injury will logically hamper Claypool’s career.

Claypool might not be the answer to a WR1, but can be useful

Claypool is clearly not equipped to be any team’s WR1, at least for now. However, he is 27 years old and he can be a great deep threat with huge contested catch abilities if used right. This could help the Packers, as it would allow them to use Christian Watson in even more roles and formations.

The Packers are one of six teams that don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They opted to trade that pick last year in a deal with the Cowboys that landed Micah Parsons with the Cheeseheads.

That pick turned out to be pick number 20 in this year’s first round. It’s safe to say the Packers must feel relatively good, given that Parsons is one of the few truly elite players in the NFL, which is worth way more than a 20th pick. That’s said despite the fact that Parsons tore his ACL last season.

Parsons’ return date with the Packers

Micah Parsons tore his ACL on December 14th, 2025. While it’s not been confirmed when he will return, the hopeful think he could be back for Week 1. However, the more realistic target is for Parsons to return in Week 3 or Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season.

Parsons was wrecking havoc before falling down to the injury. In 2025, Parsons had 12.5 sacks, 41 combined tackles, and 27 QB hits in 14 games. Despite the injury, he ended up third in Defensive Player of the Year votes.

What will the Cowboys do with the 20th pick?

It’s just the fourth time in history that the Cowboys have two or more top 20 picks in the NFL Draft. The Cowboys first had that privilege in 1975, then 1991, and more recently in 2005. They used five of those picks in defensive players, and traded another one for more draft capital. These are the teams that have multiple first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

While it’s pretty likely that their first pick will be used on defense, the 20th pick might be too. However, there’s also the possibility of taking an offensive tackle, or picking the best player available. That will depend on how the draft develops.