Green Bay Packers fans weren’t the only ones left reeling after star tight end Tucker Kraft suffered a torn ACL; fantasy football managers were, too.
Kraft was a revelation and one of the few right answers at the thinnest position in the virtual sport. He was pacing for a monstrous campaign before getting hurt in November. The 25-year-old was tied with Arizona Cardinals All-Pro Trey McBride for TE1 overall in PPR points per game (16.2) through eight weeks.
There’s no sugarcoating that the timing of losing Kraft was brutal for all parties involved. However, it stands to reason that he’ll be back to being a matchup nightmare come 2026. Barring any setbacks, savvy managers may be able to get him at a baked-in injury discount in drafts this summer.
Packers star TE Tucker Kraft has a clear path to return to fantasy football dominance in 2026
We heard Kraft address the media for the first time since getting knocked out of action during the Packers’ locker room cleanout day on Jan. 13. He said the goal is to be “bulletproof” by Week 1 of 2026. Believe him and buy the dip, or don’t and let someone else do it at your own peril.
Entering 2025, Kraft was being taken off the board in the TE11-14 range. He provided a strong return on investment despite missing over half the season. So, it's hard to envision him falling that far again after showcasing elite upside, though his value is likely to be suppressed relative to production.
Excluding the contest that Kraft went down, let's examine some of his incredible metrics across eight games and where he ranked among other tight ends during this stretch (minimum 25 routes run):
- First in yards per game (67.0)
- Second in yards per route run (2.71)
- Tied for fourth in yards per target (12.03)
- Fourth in yards per reception (15.63)
- First in yards after catch (334)
- First in yards after contact (115)
- Third in red zone targets (10)
- Tied for second in touchdowns (six)
- Tied for first in missed tackles forced (nine)
- First in passer rating when targeted (155.9)
Note: Stats courtesy of Fantasy Points' data suite ($).
Great things happened when the Packers put the ball in Kraft's hands. The numbers and the good old-fashioned eye test are in alignment. He's an amazing athlete and an extremely physical, big-bodied receiver who can turn a short reception into a long catch-and-run at any moment.
It might sound far-fetched coming off a serious knee issue, but dethroning McBride is well within the realm of possibilities. Kraft was matching the former's historic efforts in Arizona on breathtaking efficiency, and may get a volume boost to boot.
Moreover, and perhaps most notably, Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs’ potential free agency exit is a significant variable that could free up significant usage. He paced the club in target share (including Kraft) and was one of quarterback Jordan Love’s preferred options near the end zone and on deep balls. His departure would create a massive void in Green Bay’s passing attack.