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Packers' Season Kicks Off With Major Injury Woes
1 Sep
Summary
- Micah Parsons begins 2026 season on PUP list with torn ACL.
- Josh Jacobs faces indefinite absence due to legal issues.
- Tucker Kraft returns healthy and is predicted to lead tight ends.
The Green Bay Packers are navigating the beginning of their 2026 NFL season with key players sidelined. All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons will start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he recovers from a torn ACL, a development anticipated by the team for months.
Adding to the challenges, Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list. This action follows misdemeanor charges stemming from an arrest in May, preventing Jacobs from practicing or playing for Green Bay. His absence creates an indefinite void in the backfield.
Conversely, the Packers are welcoming back star tight end Tucker Kraft, who also suffered a season-ending torn ACL. Having sustained his injury six weeks prior to Parsons, Kraft is cleared to play. Before his injury, Kraft recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns, leading the team in several categories. He is now projected by CBS Sports to lead all NFL tight ends in receiving yards.
With Jacobs out, the Packers' offense is expected to lean more heavily on passing plays. This increased aerial attack bodes well for Kraft, a favored target of quarterback Jordan Love. Even with a potentially limited workload early on, Kraft's opportunities in the passing game are anticipated to be substantial.
