It's time for the real Tucker Kraft to step up.
The Green Bay Packers haven't seen the version of Tucker Kraft who looked set to earn All-Pro honors last season. They haven't seen the Tucker Kraft whose combination of athleticism, speed, and strength turns him into a footballing bowling ball after the catch.
This season's Tucker Kraft hasn't even been able to catch the football consistently. That needs to change in a matchup the Packers can't afford to lose.
How Tucker Kraft's woeful numbers stack up to last season
We've seen flashes of life, but Kraft has made a rough start to the season. First, let's look at some key metrics from last year, per Pro Football Reference. One of Kraft's biggest strengths is his ability to bulldoze through defenders and pile up yards after the catch.
We'll look at yards after catch per reception (YAC/R), which shows how effective a player is at adding yards after making the reception. Next is receptions per broken tackle (Rec/Br), which highlights how often a player forces a defender to miss. We'll also look at passer rating when targeted (Rating). The results say it all.
Tucker Kraft in 2025 vs. 2026
2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
YAC/R | 10.8 (3rd) | 6.1 (39th) |
Rec/Br | 5.3 (4th) | 15.0 (45th) |
Rating | 148.6 (2nd) | 93.7 (89th) |
Kraft also can't hold onto the football. Last season, he dropped just 6.8 percent of his targets. This year, he's dropped five passes, which is 20.8 percent of his targets, the second-worst percentage in the league.
That needs to change, especially in this matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Why the Packers desperately need the best of Tucker Kraft against the Bears
I'm sorry for the reminder, but the Packers held a 21-3 halftime lead over the Bears in January. Then Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen went aggressive and started sending blitzes, particularly on early downs. That adjustment eliminated the Packers' run game – outside of a 6-yard rush from Josh Jacobs, Green Bay managed only two yards on seven second-half carries.
The offensive line couldn't handle the blitzes. Shocker, I know.
The Packers' offense was crying out for Kraft, who was unavailable after suffering a torn ACL in November. Jordan Love could've hit Kraft all day long when the Bears cranked up the pressure, because the star tight end can run through defenders and keep Green Bay ahead of the sticks.
They seriously lacked true yards-after-catch weapons without Kraft.
Don't be surprised if we see more pressure from Allen's defense this week. The Packers have struggled to run the ball all season, averaging an NFL-low 58 rushing yards per game. It won't be easy to get the ground game going.
Chicago's pass rush is also finding success. The Bears rank third in pressure percentage and ninth in sacks.
That's why it may need to be a big Kraft game.
Like last week, Love should get the ball out of his hands as quickly as possible. If Kraft can rediscover some of that yards-after-catch magic, he could be the key to helping this offense establish some rhythm. Finally.
It'll require Kraft's best game of the season. No drops. No unforced errors. When the Bears send blitzes, get the ball to him in space and let him eliminate every defender in his path.
That's the real Tucker Kraft, and it's who the Packers badly need to show up on Sunday.
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