Packers tight end Tucker Kraft keeping emotions in check on eve of return

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers open the 2026 season on the road against the Minnesota Vikings, but for Tucker Kraft, it feels like a homecoming in many ways.

Kraft, who grew up roughly seven hours away in South Dakota, will have plenty of people cheering him on at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

“I’m excited to get back to Minnesota, because for me it’s kind of like a home game,” Kraft said. “It’s a short drive for a lot of my personal fans, followers and family. Just getting an opportunity to play in an atmosphere like that. The Banks is real fun place to play in.

“People are good with me on [ticket requests]. They don’t expect much out of me. I also tell them exactly where they’re going to be sitting and that’ll be in the nosebleeds.”

Kraft’s crew won’t be alone cheering for the fourth-year tight end. Packers fans attending the Sept. 13 game will be eager for his long-awaited return to the field.

Led by quarterback Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster is set.

The team had to have the roster finalized by 5 p.m. Aug. 30.

Love is entering his seventh year in Green Bay and fourth as the starting quarterback.

Scroll through this gallery to see the entire 53-man roster organized by position with the offense first, followed by the defense and specialists.

Note that Micah Parsons, Luke Musgrave and Jordon Riley are starting the year on the physically unable to perform list, while Savion Williams and Collin Oliver are starting on the injured reserve.

Josh Jacobs is on the commissioner’s exempt list.

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Led by quarterback Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster is set.

The team had to have the roster finalized by 5 p.m. Aug. 30.

Love is entering his seventh year in Green Bay and fourth as the starting quarterback.

Scroll through this gallery to see the entire 53-man roster organized by position with the offense first, followed by the defense and specialists.

Note that Micah Parsons, Luke Musgrave and Jordon Riley are starting the year on the physically unable to perform list, while Savion Williams and Collin Oliver are starting on the injured reserve.

Josh Jacobs is on the commissioner’s exempt list.

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J. Michael Sturdivant, wide receiver

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Zach Bako-Bewele, offensive lineman

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John Williams (73), offensive lineman

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Donovan Jennings, offensive lineman

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It’s been 10 months since Kraft tore his ACL in last year’s Week 9 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, cutting short a season that was on pace for an All-Pro/Pro Bowl-level season. At the time of his injury, Kraft had 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns. Despite playing in only eight games in 2025, Kraft finished tied for first on the team in receiving touchdowns and third in receiving yards.

“I told Tuck the first day I met him in person,” veteran tight end Jonnu Smith said, “that I thought he was the best guy up until unfortunately he went down. At our position, I thought he was the best guy in the run and pass game.

“For him to be at that age that he’s at, and putting that product to work on the field, it’s good to see.”

Now, Kraft is ready to turn the page.

“I’m definitely ready to move on, that’s for sure,” Kraft said. “The last five months − as I transition out of the training room, into the weightroom, and now here − I learned a lot about myself and the consistency you have to apply to this job. There’s no real off day. You’re always doing something for your mind or your body.”

When asked if he has a snap count in mind heading into the game, Kraft didn’t focus on it.

“I’m just going to go out there and try to win the game one play at a time,” he said. “My mentality is simple. I’m blocking every block like I’m the point of attack. I’m going to finish until the whistle. I’m going to run every route like the ball is coming to me. That’s always been my recipe.”

A recipe that likely will lead to a long-term contract extension to stay in Green Bay. Kraft recently said he will play in Week 1, regardless if the extension is done before the season starts. His main priority is to appreciate the opportunity to play football again.

“I can play with emotion without getting emotional. Just being myself,” he said. “I try to play at a pretty low temperature, otherwise I get too hot and start making mistakes. I try to keep myself cool and just execute my alignment, assignment and technique one play at a time.”