With Tucker Kraft sidelined, Musgrave has the size, skills and momentum to seize the tight-end mantle
The Packers didn’t just lose a promising young tight end when Tucker Kraft went down with a torn ACL—they lost a rising star who had become a reliable safety valve for Jordan Love. Kraft’s season-ending injury creates a void in the offense, but it also opens the door for second-year tight end Luke Musgrave to take over a featured role.
Musgrave, drafted 42nd overall in 2023, now has a chance to prove why Green Bay invested early draft capital in him. He entered the league with one of the most intriguing physical profiles in his class—6-foot-6, 253 pounds, and fast enough to stretch the seam like a wide receiver. He has the tools. Now he has the stage.
While his rookie year was disrupted by a lacerated kidney that sidelined him for six games, Musgrave still managed to flash serious upside. He displayed strong hands, clean route running, and a knack for getting open down the middle. When healthy, he gave the Packers a vertical threat at tight end they hadn’t had in years.
His second season, expected to be a breakout campaign, was also hampered—this time by an ankle injury that cost him games and reps early in the year. By the time he returned, Kraft had taken hold of the top tight-end role. Still, Musgrave made his opportunities count, showing toughness, burst and an ability to stretch the field that reminded everyone why he was such a highly regarded prospect.
Musgrave moves differently than most tight ends his size. He gets in and out of breaks like a big slot receiver and accelerates quickly off the line. Defenses struggle to cover him with linebackers, and safeties often give up too much ground. His height makes him an obvious red-zone target, but he’s more than just a jump-ball guy. He understands spacing and timing and can find soft spots in zone coverage.
Physically, he’s ready. The bigger question has been durability and consistency. After dealing with significant injuries in back-to-back seasons, Musgrave focused on strength and conditioning work this offseason. Early signs point to that investment paying off—he’s looked sharper and more explosive with every snap.
The Packers won’t just ask him to fill in. They’ll need him to be a real contributor. Kraft had become a reliable piece of the offense, especially on third downs. Musgrave has the skill set to assume that role—and maybe even expand on it. He already has Jordan Love’s trust on intermediate throws and seam routes, and he brings more versatility to the playbook.
No one’s pretending Kraft’s injury isn’t a blow. But the Packers have another young, talented tight end ready to step in. And this time, Musgrave isn’t just playing catch-up.
He’s healthy. He’s hungry. And the opportunity is all his.
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