We tried to warn everyone. The moment Rasheed Walker started talking about the Green Bay Packers going undefeated, he put an unbreakable curse on the team's Super Bowl hopes.
Everything has gone well for the Packers this season. Almost too well. Now, they get their first real gut punch of the year. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, tight end Tucker Kraft suffered a knee injury during Thursday's practice.
That's always scary, but Rapoport did provide some hope: "Kraft will have it fully evaluated, but the belief is it's not a long-term issue."
Packers TE Tucker Kraft reportedly avoids a long-term injury after exiting practice with knee issue
That's the best-case scenario, but it's undoubtedly bad news. Kraft is coming off a career-best performance after catching six passes for 124 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Washington Commanders.
Rob Demovsky of ESPN also clarified that the Packers "believe it's not a season-ending type injury."
But what exactly does that mean? Is there a "but" or an "and" at the end? Not a season-ender but he will miss some time?! Not a season-ending injury and he won't miss any time at all? That remains to be seen.
Green Bay is already without wide receiver Jayden Reed indefinitely after undergoing two surgeries to fix a broken collarbone and Jones fracture in his foot.
Losing Kraft for any length of time is concerning. Hopefully, it's nothing more than an injury scare that will, at most, cost him one game but nothing else. But until the Packers complete the testing, we won't know those details.
For now, let's look at the positives. The early reports indicate he didn't suffer a long-term issue, and Kraft seemingly avoided the dreaded season-ending injury. The Packers will need Kraft for the entire season, not just a game or two in September.
Hopefully, the test results provide an encouraging update and Kraft doesn't have to miss much time.