Seven weeks ago, Tucker Kraft boldly predicted that he'd be able to play in Week 1 without a pitch count. He's taken a significant step toward making good on that promise.
Kraft is back. Sort of. Almost.
Matt LaFleur confirmed before Friday's practice that the Green Bay Packers have activated their star tight end from the physically unable to perform list. He is back out there on the practice field. LaFleur noted that, as expected, Kraft won't participate in any team drills for the time being while the Packers slowly ramp up his practice reps.
"It'll be no team (practices)," said LaFleur. "What's great is when they do come off PUP, now he can partake in some of the walkthrough periods especially that we do in the evenings. Just to get him back, hearing the call, lining up, and then just going through that."
It's still a massive step in Kraft's recovery, and it means he is on track to deliver on his promise.
Packers will ease Tucker Kraft in slowly, but the timing couldn't be any better
Nine months post-surgery is often considered a major milestone in returning from an ACL injury. Kraft hasn't cleared that yet. General manager Brian Gutekunst said on Wednesday that Kraft is still around "that eight-and-a-half-month mark."
The Packers are understandably taking it slowly. According to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Kraft took part in some blocking drills during the individual period of Friday's practice, but the team didn't let him run routes.
But the fact Kraft is even out there is an important step in his recovery.
On August 2, Kraft will hit the magic nine-month mark following the injury. He'll hit nine months post-surgery shortly after, although the exact date wasn't reported. The Packers don't begin their preseason until August 13, while their regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on September 13 is still six weeks away.
Kraft has plenty of time to take it slow, ramp up his reps in individual drills, and eventually start participating in the team periods.
Barring any setbacks, returning to practice this early in camp gives Kraft an excellent chance of making good on his promise. He could play in Week 1 without a pitch count.
Follow along with the latest Packers training camp updates here
Tucker Kraft update wasn't the only good injury news the Packers delivered on Friday
The Packers began training camp with an alarming number of injuries. Ten players were on either the physically unable to perform or non-football injury lists.
However, there aren't any long-term concerns.
Micah Parsons remains on track in his recovery. He likely won't practice until late September, but that was the expectation coming into training camp. He was jogging with his teammates on the practice field on Thursday and looks good. It requires more patience, but Parsons' recovery is going smoothly to this point.
LaFleur revealed on Friday that cornerback Kamal Hadden, who looked good in limited action last season, is close to returning. LaFleur also said that there are no long-term concerns with linebacker Edgerrin Cooper or rookie offensive lineman Jager Burton. The Packers are typically very cautious with injuries during camp, which we're seeing here.
Kraft's return takes the headlines, as it should. His recovery hit another milestone on Friday, proving he's on track for the Week 1 return he envisioned.
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