Packers’ Trade Deadline Plans Shift as Luke Musgrave Becomes the Key Tight End
A serious blow to the Green Bay Packers’ tight end room has sent shockwaves through the locker room. With Tucker Kraft likely out for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL, the Packers’ plans for the 2025 trade deadline have shifted dramatically, especially concerning
The Impact of Kraft’s Injury
Kraft, who had been one of the most reliable offensive weapons for the Packers this season, suffered the devastating injury during the Packers' Week 9 loss to the
“Losing Tucker hurts the whole offense. He was a big piece of what we do here,”
said Aaron Rodgers, the Packers' veteran quarterback. “But injuries are part of the game. We’ve got to keep pushing forward.”
While the team initially planned to move forward with Kraft and Musgrave sharing the load, the injury changes everything. The Packers are now faced with the decision to lean heavily on Musgrave for the remainder of the season.
Musgrave’s Trade Status Shifts
Before the injury, there had been rumors circulating that the Packers might be open to trading Luke Musgrave, especially with the team’s growing confidence in
“It’s unfortunate for Tucker, but now it’s my time to step up,”
said Luke Musgrave after the injury news broke. “I’ve been working hard to get better, and I’m ready to do whatever this team needs from me. I’m not thinking about trades or anything else. I’m focused on helping us win.”
Musgrave’s role with the team becomes crucial, and it’s clear the Packers are counting on him to fill the void left by Kraft. His development as a starting tight end will be key in the Packers’ offensive game plan moving forward.
What the Packers Need From Musgrave
Musgrave, who had previously been a bit player in the offense, will now have to prove he can be the consistent, playmaking tight end the Packers need. With only
“We’ve got to have someone step up. Musgrave has the talent, but now he’s got to show it week in and week out,”
said Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ head coach. “We’re putting our trust in Luke, and he’s going to have a bigger role than ever.”
Musgrave’s challenge will be to prove he can take the reins at tight end and develop chemistry with
Looking Forward
The Packers' immediate future now hinges on Musgrave's ability to step into the spotlight. The loss of Kraft could have long‑term implications, but for the rest of the 2025 season, Musgrave must deliver in the short term.
“This is a tough situation for everyone, but we’re a team, and we’ve got to keep grinding,” said David Bakhtiari, Packers offensive tackle. “Luke’s ready. We all believe in him.”
The Packers will likely explore adding another tight end for depth, but for now, Musgrave is the primary option. His performance over the next few weeks could very well shape his future in Green Bay — and the future of the team’s offense.
Final Thoughts
While Kraft’s injury is a huge setback, it opens the door for Musgrave to solidify his place in the Packers' offense. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, his immediate role is clear: show the Packers he’s ready to be their top tight end and take on a leadership role in the passing game.
The stakes have never been higher for Musgrave, but with his maturity and determination, he may be able to seize this opportunity and help the Packers move forward after Kraft’s heartbreaking injury.
49ers trade deadline plans are now obvious after latest injury update
The San Francisco 49ers notched another win on Sunday, moving to 6-3 after defeating the New York Giants 34-24. While winning has been a theme for the Niners this season, so have significant injuries. Unfortunately, San Francisco experienced both in Week 9.
The major injury in this game happened to Mykel Williams, who is feared to have suffered a torn ACL.
The rookie edge defender will be the latest key player the 49ers lose for the season, and also the latest edge in San Francisco to go down with an injury. The Niners were already thin at that position and were expected to acquire an edge defender ahead of the trade deadline, but now they may be forced to make a trade if Williams is out for the remainder of the year.
Early in the season, San Francisco lost perennial Pro Bowler and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa to an ACL injury. Bosa’s absence put a strain on the group, and that strain was intensified when Bryce Huff went down with a hamstring injury in Week 7. Huff is expected to return this year, but he has missed the last two games, leaving the 49ers without much of a pass rush.
Now, Williams has joined his veterans on the injury report, and San Francisco has no choice but to add a veteran edge defender. Fortunately for the Niners, there are options. The most likely options both play for the Miami Dolphins, who have officially opened up for business after falling to 2-7 and firing their general manager. Outside linebackers Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon are both trade candidates, and San Francisco could actually use both of them.
With the trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the 49ers will surely be active up until that point.
San Francisco clearly has a competitive team, so it needs to try and fill the gaps while it can.
