The Green Bay Packers can breathe a sigh of relief after Tucker Kraft escaped a serious knee injury during practice. Kraft's status for Sunday's game remains uncertain, but he isn't expected to miss much time, if any.
If the Packers' rising star is unavailable this week, or playing below 100 percent, it's Luke Musgrave time.
The NFL world may have forgotten about Musgrave, whom the Packers selected a round before Kraft in 2023, but he is poised for a breakout we've waited two years to see.
Packers' forgotten tight end Luke Musgrave is ready to shock the world in Week 3
Kraft is the Packers' undeniable TE1, which he further cemented with his 124-yard, one-touchdown display under the Lambeau lights a week ago. But it wasn't always that way.
Musgrave spent his rookie season as the Packers' preferred starter, but injuries and inconsistent play derailed his momentum and opened the door for Kraft. Musgrave missed six games as a rookie and a further 10 last season.
Finally healthy, the Packers' 2023 second-round pick has a point to prove and lost time to make up for. All he needs is an opportunity. Musgrave has quietly made an impressive start to the season, having already turned heads at training camp.
"This is the best I've seen him since he's been in the building," said Packers passing game coordinator Jason Vrable on Thursday, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Despite playing on less than a third of the Packers' offensive snaps (compared to Kraft's 91.38 percent), Musgrave has hauled in all three of his targets from Jordan Love for 36 yards.
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Only four Packers had a better PFF offensive grade than Musgrave's 86.0 in last week's win over the Commanders. He ranked fourth in pass-blocking, which is notable as blocking has never been among his strengths. Green Bay drafted Musgrave for his sky-high potential as a pass-catcher, hoping to develop his blocking along the way. It's paying off.
But it is Musgrave's receiving ability we need to talk about.
The third-year tight end hasn't enjoyed much luck with injuries or consistent opportunities in the passing game, but he can still become a difference-maker.
Kraft wins with toughness and his ability to turn into a superhero after the catch, but Musgrave has game-changing speed and athleticism, allowing him to attack the seams. With Jayden Reed out and Kraft's status uncertain, the Packers could lean on Musgrave.
It can take time for tight ends to reach their potential in the NFL. There's so much to learn. Musgrave has dealt with awful injury luck while watching Kraft ascend to stardom. Even if Kraft is available, it's unclear how close to 100 percent he will be, giving Musgrave an opportunity to force his way back into the conversation for more snaps.
It won't be easy against an underrated Cleveland Browns defense, but Musgrave is ready to remind everyone why he was a second-round draft choice.