Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft rejoined teammates on the practice field Friday after the club activated him from the physically unable to perform list.
The move ends a lengthy recovery from an ACL tear suffered last season and has intensified discussion about a potential contract extension for the 2023 third-round pick.
Kraft enters the final season of his rookie deal and is widely viewed as the next Packers player in line for a long-term commitment following recent extensions for other key contributors.
When reporters asked about returning to drills prior to any new agreement, Kraft acknowledged outside concerns while stressing his personal priorities.
“I understand other people’s worries in that facet,” Kraft said. “However, I myself, I am just worried about getting back to who I was pre-injury.”
Medical evaluations have offered encouraging signs regarding the knee’s progress, according to comments shared from team briefings. Kraft described the knee’s condition in glowing terms, noting, “My knee looks spectacular. Almost like he’s never seen a knee rehabilitation like mine.”
Kraft made clear that football rehabilitation remains his primary objective even as contract conversations continue in the background.
Some observers suggested his representatives might have preferred he delay on-field work until financial terms were settled, particularly so soon after major knee surgery. Yet Kraft insisted the most effective path for recovery involves immediate participation in practice sessions.
The tight end also revealed an active personal role in the ongoing talks rather than remaining completely hands-off.
“I am as involved as I can possibly be,” Kraft said. “I am going to be my own advocate as much as I can.”
He expanded on that approach by emphasizing self-advocacy rooted in knowledge of his own skills.
“I’m going to be my own advocate as much as I can because I know what my abilities are.”
While Kraft stays engaged, he explained that direct negotiations occur between club officials and his representation.
“They talk to each other, and my agent comes back to me,” Kraft said regarding the process. He further noted a clear separation between on-field performance and off-field business matters.
“I play football, and the front office plays numbers; that’s the way I see it,” Kraft said.
That perspective allows him to avoid taking any negotiation developments in a personal manner.A
ll signs point toward Kraft being available for the regular-season opener, though he is not expected to see action in preseason contests. The Packers plan a measured return that may include limited involvement in joint practices while prioritizing full readiness by Week 1.
Green Bay stood at 5-2-1 when Kraft was sidelined last year. The team then went 4-5 the rest of the regular season and dropped its opening playoff contest, finishing 4-6 in games without him.
The offense operated differently after losing its standout tight end, and the organization hopes a healthy Kraft can again serve as a difference-maker this fall.
