Green Bay TE Tucker Kraft said he “should be full go” by Week 1 despite suffering a torn ACL in Week 9 of last season. An early stint on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list is routine for his recovery timeline and shouldn’t panic fantasy managers.
This report is a good reminder that Kraft is still months away from being 100% healthy and should be drafted with caution in seasonal leagues. Before the injury, Kraft showcased metric efficiency with a +39.0-percent Target Premium, ranking No. 2 at the position while pacing for 14.7 Fantasy Points Per Game.
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) could start...
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) said he ...
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he is ...
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is expected to open training camp on the PUP list to build up his conditioning following a Week 9 ACL tear. Before the injury derailed his season, Kraft was highly efficient, posting a +39.0-percent Target Premium (No. 2) and 2.56 Yards Per Route Run (No. 2) to finish as the TE10 in Fantasy Points Per Game with 14.7.
While the temporary camp restriction will suppress his early-season fantasy floor, Kraft is available at a disproportionate discount in both best ball and dynasty fantasy football formats.
Tucker Kraft is targeting a Week 1 return to the Packers’ lineup after tearing his ACL last November. Before the injury, he was pacing for 14.7 Fantasy Points Per Game and a super-efficient +39.0-percent (No. 2) Target Premium.
Take this report with a grain of salt as November ACL tears typically require a PUP stint to start the year. Tucker’s output was fueled by an astonishing 7.8 Yards After Catch Per Target before his season cut short, which will be impossible to replicate coming off an aggressive ACL recovery timeline. Tucker is a better dynasty than best ball value right now. Meanwhile, Luke Musgrave lurks to pick up the pieces if Tucker suffers a setback.
The Green Bay Packers suffered a significant loss in Week 9 as their star tight end and focal point in the passing game, Tucker Kraft, suffered a torn ACL. Kraft was second on the team for receptions with 32, only behind Romeo Doubs(34). He had a target share of 18.8% which doubles inside the red zone at 36.7%
This injury opens the door for backup tight end Luke Musgrave or another receiver to show they have what it takes to keep the Packers atop a tough NFC North division, or for a trade to be made for a playoff push. The news is not only devastating to the Packers, who relied so heavily on Kraft’s yards-after-the-catch ability, but also leaves fantasy managers in a panic, as he was in the middle of a breakout season and cementing himself as a top tight end option in all formats.
Author: Dane Madoche(@FF_DaMaddog)
Tight end Tucker Kraft suffered an injury in the Green Bay Packers 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Tests today confirmed that Kraft tore his ACL and he will miss the rest of the season.
Kraft had 32 receptions for 489 yards and 6 touchdowns on the season for Green Bay, leading Packers pass catcher in yards and touchdowns. Former second round pick Luke Musgrave will be expected to fill the void left by Kraft.
Kraft can be dropped in season long leagues and Musgrave should be a priority add for managers. Kraft had been an elite tight end on the season, leaving open the possibility that Musgrave can become a regular fantasy starter for the rest of the season.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
Green Bay TE Tucker Kraft was a dark horse breakout candidate in an uncertain Green Bay TE room heading into 2024. Despite offseason surgery and the presence of fellow 2nd year tight end Luke Musgrave, Kraft quickly established himself as one of the Packers top pass catching options for 220 million dollar QB Jordan Love, and his play has earned him some high praise from Packers head coach Matt Lafleur.
When asked about whether Tucker Kraft could fulfill a “George Kittle/Travis Kelce” role in the Packers offense Lafleur stated: “100%. And I think that’s on us to make sure that we find him and feature him. When he gets the ball in his hands, you feel him. So, if there is an area that we gotta do a better job on, I would say featuring the tight end.”
The “George Kittle” role, has led to back to back seasons of over 1000 yards, with Kittle doing so on less than 100 targets in both seasons. Tucker Kraft took a massive step forward this year, finishing the year with 70 targets, 50 catches, 707 yards and 7 TDs. Adding another 20-30 targets at minimum to his workload is well within reason.
Kraft is currently our TE9 in dynasty behind names like David Njoku and Dalton Kincaid. I recommend buying him now as the price will likely only increase once this becomes one of the hotter talking points of the season.
Justin Currie
@Chev90 on X
