The Green Bay Packers have been without rookie tight end Luke Musgrave for many weeks due to a lacerated kidney. According to Tom Silverstein, Green Bay has established a 21-day practice window for him to return to the football field.
Musgrave is unlikely to play this weekend against the Carolina Panthers (2-12), but he might return on New Year’s Eve against the Minnesota Vikings (7-7) and be activated off injured reserve. Before getting hurt, Luke Musgrave was enjoying a fantastic season.
Before being hurt, the second-round rookie from Oregon State was on pace to surpass 500 yards receiving as a rookie tight end. On 11/19, he played against the Los Angeles Chargers. Luke Musgrave has caught 33 receptions for 341 yards and one score this season. This season, he has also averaged 10.3 yards per reception. This season, quarterback Jordan Love has targeted Musgrave 45 times.
Tight End with the Green Bay Packers Tucker Kraft has done an excellent job of temporarily replacing Luke Musgrave.
Kraft, a rookie tight end from FCS power South Dakota State, was also taken in the third round. Tucker Kraft stepped up big as the starting tight end when Luke Musgrave got hurt. He’s a great blocker in the running game and has a tough demeanor.
Kraft has also improved his receiving game. He also has 18 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Tucker Kraft has a 12.0 yard per reception average. He was also targeted 25 times this year. Moving ahead, head coach Matt LaFleur should find a way to use Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave in more two tight end sets.
They will both be important tight ends for the franchise for many years to come. They have other weapons at wide receiver. Musgrave’s return before the end of the regular season will be beneficial to them. Green Bay is right in the middle of the postseason race.
The photo depicts Kraft being compared to George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers and Musgrave being compared to Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, but the argument he makes is that there should be two tight end sets more frequently at the conclusion of the year and in 2024. With Musgrave on the edge of returning, the offense might reach new heights.
