Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft isn’t sure he will play a single snap in the preseason. The first exhibitions are definitely off the table, according to the 2023 third-rounder. However, he didn’t hesitate when asked about whether he plans to play in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil.
“Without a doubt,” Kraft said following his first training camp practice of the year on Tuesday. “I’m not supposed to talk about timelines and stuff like that, but if you see me out there today, you’ll see me in Brazil.”
Kraft missed the first ten training camp practices, including Saturday’s Family Night, as he continued to work his way back from a torn pectoral muscle sustained during the offseason. Since the start of camp, Kraft has been hard at work rehabbing, trying to work his way back to full contact. Now, all that hard work is paying off.
[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]
“You guys don’t see me, but I was in the indoor for the last three weeks and just grinding in there trying to get as familiar with contact as possible,” he said.
“We’re progressing really well, so you guys will see me a lot more involved down the road.”
On Tuesday, Kraft only went through individual drills, which is customary for how the team integrates players returning from injury. The Packers plan to take things slow, especially with a player expected have a significant role on offense for the upcoming season.
As a rookie, it was clear Kraft needed time to adjust to the physicality of the NFL. Most of his opportunities early came in the run game and pass protection. So, improving that aspect of his game is what eventually allowed him to showcase his athleticism as a pass catcher, something he was known for at South Dakota State.
In a Week 9 meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers, Kraft’s preparation met opportunity and led to a 27-yard catch and run down the sideline. Coming into that game, he had three catches for 11 yards. That became the jumping-off point for Kraft, who never looked back, finishing the season with 355 yards on 31 catches and two touchdowns.
“My career changed with a flat route,” said Kraft. “I didn’t have to have a coach try to get me open. I got myself open, caught a ball in the flat, turned up(field). I stepped out of bounds, but it was a play that I was able to highlight my athleticism and the impact I can make in this offense.”
Coming off a strong finish, Kraft feels a lot more comfortable entering…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Packers Wire…