The Green Bay Packers, with a 9-3 record this season, held a practice on Sunday in preparation for their Thursday night game against the Detroit Lions. The Lions are 11-1 and are aiming to move closer to securing the NFC North title.
Packers second-year tight end Tucker Kraft has been one of the standout performers on offense this year, excelling both in the passing game and as a blocker. Kraft recently made headlines with a bold statement ahead of the matchup with Detroit.
Following practice, Kraft spoke with the media and was asked about Lions safety Kerby Joseph. He commented on Joseph’s impact, especially after some of his teammates were sidelined by Joseph earlier in the season. Kraft expressed his readiness to take on Joseph, saying, “He’s taken some of my brothers out of the game, and I think about that too. So if I get a chance to get my hands on him, you know, playing football.”
Kraft’s comments add an intriguing layer of anticipation to Thursday’s game. Earlier in the season, Joseph’s teammate, Brian Branch, was ejected during a game against the Packers, heightening the intensity of the rivalry.
So far this season, Kraft has caught 36 passes for 480 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 13.3 yards per reception. He’s been targeted 49 times and is on pace to surpass 600 yards receiving in his second NFL season. With injuries to fellow tight end Luke Musgrave, Kraft has stepped up to become the team’s top tight end.
In their previous meeting with the Lions, Kraft recorded four receptions for 34 yards, though he failed to score a touchdown and was targeted six times. It will be interesting to see if he plays a more prominent role in the offense this time around, as both his blocking and receiving contributions could make a big difference against Detroit.
