Packers' Tucker Kraft a Game-Time Decision After Knee Injury
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was not on the field Friday and is expected to be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Matt LaFleur said.
Kraft sustained a knee injury during Thursday's practice and underwent testing to rule out a long-term issue.
"It's unfortunate, it is what it is. I don't think it will be long-term, so that's a positive. But he will not be out there today," LaFleur said.
As for Sunday's game against the Browns (0-2)?
"He has to feel comfortable and be cleared at the same time," LaFleur said of Kraft, who has yet to miss a game in his NFL career.
Kraft, 24, is listed as questionable on the injury report for the Packers (2-0).
Should he sit out on Sunday, Luke Musgrave and fellow tight end John FitzPatrick would see more snaps.
"I feel really good about that (tight end) room, so you just have to adapt and adjust," LaFleur said.
Kraft leads the team in catches (eight), receiving yards (140) and receiving touchdowns (two). He notched his first 100-yard game with six catches for 124 yards and a score in a 27-18 home win over the Washington Commanders on Sept. 11.
In his third NFL season, Kraft has compiled 89 receptions for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns in 36 regular-season games. Kraft also has 10 catches for 50 yards and one TD in three playoff games (all starts).
Shoulder Injury Forces Ben Shelton to Withdraw from Japan Open
Ben Shelton has withdrawn from next week's Japan Open due to a shoulder injury, the tournament announced Friday.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_bBjeLfubgwikQFAx3DXXLmvsJdxzusYU1w&s
The 22-year-old American, ranked No. 6 in the world, sustained the injury in the third round of the U.S. Open.
Shelton was forced to retire before starting the fifth set against Adrian Mannarino in that Aug. 29 match and has not played since.
Shelton has a 37-18 record this season and is currently fifth in the Race to Turin standings as he attempts to qualify for the year-end Nitto ATP Finals for the first time.
He captured his first ATP Tour title two years ago in Tokyo in his debut at the ATP 500 tournament. He lost in the quarterfinals in his return in 2024.
