Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) is assisted off the field after getting injured against the Carolina Panthers during their football game Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Carolina won 16-13.

The Green Bay Packers suffered an upset loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season. Even worse, the team lost one of its top offensive playmakers to a significant injury.

Tight end Tucker Kraft went down with an apparent knee injury early in the third quarter of the contest. He was able to get off the field with assistance from trainers after taking a shot to the right knee but was later carted into the locker room.

Kraft – who turned 25 on Nov. 3 – is the Packers' leading receiver through Week 9. He recorded 32 catches for a team-high 489 yards and six touchdowns across his first eight games, all while establishing himself as one of the NFL's best tight ends.

But now, the South Dakota State product is facing a lengthy absence, and the Packers will have to find a way to survive wtihout the mismatch threat.

Here's what to know about Kraft's injury and how it will impact the Packers.

How long is Tucker Kraft out?

Kraft is going to miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee, according to multiple reports.

The news comes after Packers coach Matt LaFleur told reporters the 24-year-old's knee injury "does not look good" in a postgame news conference following the team's 16-13 Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

It isn't yet clear whether Kraft's injury will linger into the 2026 NFL season.

Tucker Kraft injury update

Kraft was injured early in the third quarter of the Packers' 16-13 loss to the Panthers. It occurred while he was trying to make a block on a Josh Jacobs but got hit low when Packers guard Sean Rhyan was pushed back by a Panthers defender on the play.

Kraft immediately reached for his right knee and remained down on the field after the play. The third-year pro was able to get to his feet after receiving treatment from the Packers' medical staff but required assistance walking off the field.

Kraft was taken to the blue medical tent after reaching the sideline. He was examined by medical personnel in there before being carted into the locker room.

The Packers initially deemed Kraft "questionable" to return to the game before later announcing he had officially been ruled out.

Who is Tucker Kraft's backup?

Kraft's injury will allow the team's top backup, Luke Musgrave, to take over as the team's primary option at the tight end position.

Musgrave, 25, was actually selected ahead of Kraft in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the Oregon State product has largely played behind Kraft this season and has recorded just nine catches for 88 yards through eight games.

Musgrave's best season came as a rookie in 2023, when he recorded 34 catches for 352 yards and a touchdown in 11 games (nine starts).

Packers TE depth chart

The Packers have just two healthy tight ends on their 53-man roster after Kraft's injury. Below is a look at the pecking order within that unit.

  1. Luke Musgrave
  2. John FitzPatrick

The Packers will likely add another tight end to their game-day roster to replace Kraft. They have Josh Whyle on their practice squad but could also look at veteran trade or free agent options to help replace Kraft's production.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Tucker Kraft out for the season? Latest updates Packers TE's knee injury

Reporting by Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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