Packers Activate Tucker Kraft Off PUP Following 8.5-Month ACL Recovery

Tight end Tucker Kraft was activated off the physically unable to perform list Friday, less than nine months after his right knee ACL surgery.

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was activated off the physically unable to perform list on Friday, July 31, 2026. This move comes less than nine months after the star athlete underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. At the time of his injury on Nov. 2, Kraft had recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns. Through Week 9 of that season, he stood as the only tight end in the NFL to achieve at least 30 catches, 475 receiving yards, and six scores while maintaining an average of 15-plus yards per reception.

Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed before Friday’s practice that the team will initially restrict Kraft to individual drills and walk-through periods. The tight end will not participate in 11-on-11 team sessions immediately. The Packers typically adhere to a strict nine-month recovery window for ACL injuries, and Kraft is currently at the 8 ½-month mark. General manager Brian Gutekunst noted that while Kraft's physical appearance mirrors the early recovery progress seen by Christian Watson last year, the organization intends to remain cautious based on medical science.

Return Timeline and Vikings Opener

Kraft expressed his intention last month to return to the field during training camp to ensure he is ready for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13. He aims to play in that contest without any physical limitations. By coming off the PUP list now, he is permitted to participate in evening walk-throughs, which LaFleur noted is vital for hearing play calls and mastering alignment. The surgery to repair his right knee took place approximately 10 days after the initial Nov. 2 injury.

Team officials expect to wait at least one to two more weeks before allowing Kraft to engage in full team drills. Gutekunst emphasized that despite the player looking ready to compete, the staff will prioritize the established nine-month safety threshold. Kraft’s return to the active roster allows him to reintegrate into the daily process of the tight end room during the final season of his rookie contract.

Contract Extension Negotiations

Negotiations regarding a new contract for the tight end are currently in the early stages, according to a source who spoke to ESPN on Friday. Kraft stated on Wednesday that he believes it would be best to finalize a deal as soon as possible. Both the player and the Green Bay front office have signaled a mutual desire to reach an agreement, potentially before the regular season begins.

Rob Demovsky, who has covered the Packers since 1997, reported that the timeline for Kraft’s return is slightly accelerated compared to standard team protocols. The tight end’s statistical production prior to his knee injury established him as a premier deep threat at his position, highlighted by his 15.2-yard average per catch. As he enters the last year of his current deal, his health and availability for the Week 1 matchup against Minnesota remain the primary focus for the Green Bay coaching staff.