Matt LaFleur Gives Update on Injured Packers Offensive Players

As the Green Bay Packers wrapped up mandatory minicamp and prepared for training camp in a few weeks, their roster is relatively healthy. There are only two notable injuries that the team is dealing with.

Tight end Tucker Kraft was seen on the sidelines earlier in the offseason in a sling and it turns out he tore his pectoral. Offensive lineman Zach Tom is dealing with the same injury, as he has also been sidelined.

Recently, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about the injuries to two of the team’s key offensive players. From the sounds of it, their rehabs are going well and should be on the field in training camp in late July.

“They’re doing great. I don’t know if you saw Tucker was moving around, doing lifts. I think if you just watch Zach Tom move around, I think both of those guys are in a good spot. Certainly, you’d love for them to be out there and working on their craft instead of having to rehab back, but I think those are two dudes I’m not overly concerned about just in terms of how they approach the game. Certainly, they’re both very young players, but they’ve gotten a lot of play-time and can’t wait to get ‘em back in camp.” (H/T The Athletic)

That is a very encouraging update, as both players shouldn’t be in danger of missing Week 1. Kraft, entering his second year in the NFL, was integral to the Packers’ game plan offensively in 2023.

He played in all 17 games as a rookie, stepping into a larger role when fellow rookie tight end Luke Musgrave suffered an abdominal injury. An improving blocker, Kraft and Musgrave have been highlighted this offseason as breakout candidates in 2024.

While we know Kraft will be playing tight end this season, no one knows where Tom will be lining up. As one of the five best offensive linemen the Packers have, he will be in the starting lineup; where in the lineup is undecided.

Last season he was the starting right tackle, but he has experience playing all five spots along the offensive line. Rumors have swirled that he could be pushed inside to center, replacing the ineffective Josh Myers.

It will be interesting to see if being sidelined this offseason has impacted those potential changes. The Packers have been cross-training several of their players in the trenches, so we may not get a final answer about where Tom will play for a few more months.

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