Tucker Kraft injury update: Packers star’s 25th birthday turns heartbreaking after season-ending ACL tear

It was supposed to be a day of celebration for Tucker Kraft. Instead, it turned into heartbreak. The Green Bay Packers’ rising star tight end learned on his 25th birthday that he suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

The injury, confirmed through tests on Monday, will sideline him for the rest of the 2025 season, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.The devastating moment came in the second half when Kraft took a hit to his knee while blocking. He was carted off the field, visibly in pain, and didn’t return. After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur admitted the injury didn’t “look good” and that it was “serious.” Unfortunately, LaFleur’s fears turned out to be true.

Tucker Kraft’s breakout season cut short by torn ACL

Kraft had been one of the brightest sparks in Green Bay’s offense this season. Through eight games, he recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns — both team highs. His combination of power and agility made him one of the NFL’s most exciting young tight ends and a consistent playmaker in clutch moments.

An MRI on Monday confirmed the worst. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Kraft’s torn ACL would end his season prematurely.

The timing couldn’t have been worse, given that the former third-round pick was on pace to surpass his 2024 stats of 50 catches for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. For a team that had leaned on his reliability, losing him now is a major blow.After receiving the grim news, Kraft took to Instagram and posted a cryptic photo of himself kneeling on the field, with just an hourglass emoji as the caption. It sent a clear message — his time will come again, even if fans have to wait until 2026 to see him back in action.

Packers face tough road ahead without Tucker Kraft

With Kraft out, the Packers will need others to step up. Tight end Luke Musgrave, who has just nine catches for 88 yards this season, could see his role increase. General manager Brian Gutekunst might also explore trade options before the deadline, but replacing Kraft’s unique skill set won’t be easy.A rare big-play threat at tight end and a leader in yards after the catch, Tucker Kraft had emerged as a cornerstone for Green Bay’s young offense. His injury is a painful reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL — and how much the Packers will miss their breakout star.More coverage on NFL:How serious is Tucker Kraft’s knee injury after Packers confirm his knee injury ‘does not look good’?Chiefs’ Travis Kelce suffers scary blow vs Bills, then unleashes strong message to rival fans afterward