Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the media at OTAs Wednesday and gave important updates on the status of several key players who are working their way back from serious injuries. The coach updated reporters on the approximate timetable for these players to return and the news is mostly positive for the Packers and their fans. Keep in mind the Packers did not make players available to the media after Wednesday’s OTAs as originally scheduled because of the ongoing Josh Jacobs situation so none of the players in question got to address the media on Wednesday.

TE Tucker Kraft

LaFleur told reporters that Kraft was doing well overall. Kraft is attending OTAs but is not participating in any of the team’s practices or activities on the field.

“Tuck looks great right now,” LaFleur said. “He looks so good you want to put him out there, but it’s still early in that process. Hopefully, he’ll be ready to go by training camp or early into training camp.”

Kraft suffered a torn ACL in the Packers Week 9 game against the Carolina Panthers and missed the rest of the season. He was on pace to set new Packers records for catches and yards by a tight end in a season when the injury took place.

The Packers will be counting on Kraft in 2026. They have precious little depth behind him at tight end and less depth at wide receiver than they had a year ago. Furthermore, with Romeo Doubs no longer on the roster, Kraft will become Jordan Love’s security blanket in key situations and his top check down receiver. Kraft’s ability to run after the catch makes him an important weapon in the Green Bay offense.

OT Zach Tom

Offensive tackle Zach Tom suffered a partially torn patellar tendon last December in Denver. He missed the rest of the season including the Packers playoff game in Chicago. Like Kraft, Tom is in Green Bay for OTAs but will not be partaking in any on-field activities. Darian Kinnard has been filling in with the starting offensive line at right tackle in Tom’s absence.

“Zach is working hard and making progress,” LaFleur explained. “But I wouldn’t anticipate him back until training camp either.”

Tom has graded out at the Packers top offensive linemen in each of the last two seasons. He gives the Packers strong play in pass protection and according to Pro Football Focus, is also the team’s best run blocking offensive lineman. Having Tom ready to start training camp and be ready for Week 1 of the regular season would be a big boost to the Packers offensive line. The line has a lot of questions, and an overall lack of depth remains a concern.

Edge Rusher Micah Parsons

Unlike Kraft and Tom, edge rusher Micah Parsons is not attending OTAs this week. “Micah is doing great,” LaFleur said. “He is not here. He’ll be back here shortly.”

LaFleur also indicated that Parsons remains likely to start training camp on the PUP list. The Packers can activate him at any time if he’s ready to go.

Parsons also suffered a torn ACL. He was injured in the Broncos game last December, the same contest Tom was hurt in.

The Packers gave up two first-round picks to acquire Parsons last season, and he did not disappoint once he arrived in Green Bay. The Packers pass rush tailed off dramatically once Parsons was lost for the season. The lack of pass rush also exposed the Green Bay secondary which gave up a lot more big plays after Parsons was out of the lineup.

The Packers need Parsons back although we still don’t know if he’ll be ready for Week 1 in Minnesota. It remains a real possibility he starts the regular season on the PUP list. There is still a long way to go before Week 1, so we’ll see when Parsons will be able to resume practicing with the team.

The Packers depth at edge rusher will be tested this season after the departure of Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare.

Regardless, Parsons remains the best the player on the Green Bay defense and a pivotal part of the team.