Tucker Kraft reduced to spectator in New England

Green Bay Packers TE Tucker Kraft was targeted three times versus the New England Patriots in Week 9. He finished with one catch for one yard and added eight yards on two carries in the win.

Why It Matters: Green Bay felt the matchups to exploit on Sunday were on the outside. They were correct. The combo of Christian Watson and Matthew Golden combined for 17 receptions, 335 yards, and 2 TDs. That left Kraft with little to do. Jordan Love did come close to connecting on a deep seam route for a touchdown, but the ball went off the fingertips of Kraft and fell incomplete. It’s disappointing in isolation, but the fact that Love is playing at such a high level should have benefits for Kraft in the weeks ahead. Despite the disappointing showing in Week 9, Kraft remains a viable TE1.

Why It Matters: Green Bay felt the matchups to exploit on Sunday were on the outside. They were correct. The combo of Christian Watson and Matthew Golden combined for 17 receptions, 335 yards, and 2 TDs. That left Kraft with little to do. Jordan Love did come close to connecting on a deep seam route for a touchdown, but the ball went off the fingertips of Kraft and fell incomplete. It’s disappointing in isolation, but the fact that Love is playing at such a high level should have benefits for Kraft in the weeks ahead. Despite the disappointing showing in Week 9, Kraft remains a viable TE1.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tucker Kraft reduced to spectator in New England