“I hate to be an excuse guy, but we just need everyone healthy,” said Tucker Kraft, reflecting on the challenges faced by the Green Bay Packers during the previous season. Kraft’s statement underscores a critical issue that plagued the team: injuries to key players that significantly impacted their performance.
The Packers finished the last season with a disappointing record, losing five straight games and bowing out in the wild-card round for the second consecutive year. Before injuries took their toll, the team had a respectable record of 9-3-1. Injuries sidelined crucial players like Kraft, who tore his ACL in Week 9, and Devonte Wyatt, who suffered season-ending injuries in Week 13. Zach Tom also faced a season-ending knee injury in Week 15, while star linebacker Micah Parsons tore his ACL late in the season.
Despite these setbacks, Parsons remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “There was no point in the season where I felt like we weren’t a championship-caliber team. At no point in the year,” he stated, emphasizing the belief within the locker room that they could compete at a high level.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged the need to overcome injuries, stating, “I think you have to be able to overcome injuries, whatever those are, and we didn’t, certainly at the end of the season.” This sentiment reflects the team’s struggle to maintain consistency and performance amidst adversity.
Heading into the 2026 season, the Packers are expected to have several key players returning from injury, including Kraft, who anticipates being back in action about ten months post-surgery. Wyatt is expected to recover in three to five months, while Parsons may miss three to four games at the start of the season. The return of these players could provide a significant boost to the team’s morale and performance.
In terms of roster development, the Packers have their starter in Josh Jacobs and a capable third-down back in Chris Brooks. However, they are actively seeking a backup running back, as they currently lack proven options on the roster. The 2026 NFL Draft class presents some intriguing running back prospects, although many come with their own set of flaws.
The Packers have not been major players in free agency and do not hold a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, which adds another layer of challenge as they look to strengthen their roster. The front office has extended the contracts of head coach Matt LaFleur and Gutekunst after the 2025 season, indicating a commitment to continuity in leadership as they navigate these challenges.
As the Packers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating returning players and addressing the depth issues in the running back position. With key players back on the field, the team hopes to turn the page on a difficult previous season and make a stronger push in the playoffs.
