Many might see the Green Bay Packers' signing of veteran tight end Jonnu Smith as insurance for Tucker Kraft. The latter is recovering from a torn ACL suffered this past November, so naturally, antennas were raised.
However, every update on Kraft somehow feels better than the last. Signs point to him being ahead of schedule in his rehab process. The rising star recently told reporters that he's "not doing the rep count stuff anymore," via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Reading the tea leaves, Smith joining the Packers feels less about Kraft's availability (or lack thereof) and more like a Luke Musgrave problem. That's the only other logical explanation.
Packers' Jonnu Smith signing is an ominous sign for Luke Musgrave, not Tucker Kraft
Musgrave has been working through a mysterious neck injury that dates back to mandatory minicamp in early June. He opened Green Bay's 2026 training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. There hasn't been much news on him since his designation, and the information we have paints a grim picture.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has expressed uncertainty regarding the severity of the matter — and frankly, some concern too. Musgrave could be dealing with a "long-term" issue, and the club is exercising caution with a "a little bit more sensitive" body part.
Put two and two together, and Smith landing in Titletown this late in the offseason is an ominous sign for Musgrave's status. It appears as though the Gutekunst and the front office are bracing for a lengthy absence.
The idea of Green Bay bolstering the TE room was gaining momentum before Smith's arrival, and it's becoming clear why. Musgrave was supposed to help ease Kraft back into action, albeit to no avail. Meanwhile, veteran backup Josh Whyle and Drake Dabney, who's emerged as a practice squad staple after going undrafted in 2024, haven't done much this summer.
Turning 26 on September 2, Musgrave is entering the fourth and final season of his rookie contract. 2025 was the Oregon State product's first healthy campaign as a pro. He appeared in as many games as he did across 2023 and 2024 combined, including the playoffs (18).
Alas, Musgrave has failed to live up to his billing as a second-round pick since entering the league in 2023. He's taken a distant backseat to Kraft, whom the Packers notably selected 36 spots later that year.
At this rate, expect Musgrave to be moved to the reserve/PUP list when the time comes. If so, he wouldn't count against the active roster but would have to miss at least the first four games of 2026.
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