Packers GM Gutekunst expects Parsons and Kraft early return

expect Parsons, – Brian Gutekunst says Green Bay expects Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft to be back early in the season after ACL injuries.
Green Bay’s offseason focus just got a clearer target: getting Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft back as close to the start of the season as possible.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said both players are progressing well following ACL injuries that ended their 2025 campaigns early.. Gutekunst noted that Kraft has been actively involved in team work. describing him as being ahead in his recovery timeline because his injury occurred earlier than Parsons’.
In this context, it’s not just about returning to the lineup, but about timing. If Green Bay can regain core pieces early, the coaching staff gets more usable practice reps to rebuild chemistry and maintain continuity.
Kraft’s 2025 breakout came to an abrupt stop in November after the torn ACL. Before that setback, he produced eye-catching output in limited time, catching 32 passes for 489 yards and scoring six touchdowns across eight games.
Parsons’ season ended later, in December, after he also suffered a torn ACL.. Even with his time cut short. his impact was undeniable. finishing with 12.5 sacks. 12 tackles for loss. and 27 quarterback hits. a performance that earned him AP first-team All-Pro recognition for the third time despite appearing in only 14 games.
That kind of production matters because it directly shapes how a team defends and how it creates momentum. Adding back two high-end difference-makers early could influence everything from game plans to in-game adjustments.
Gutekunst framed the return as a key part of what Green Bay plans to build moving forward, emphasizing that both players are making strides and are expected to play a major role once the new season gets underway.
For Packers fans, the message is simple: the recovery road is progressing, and the expectation is that Parsons and Kraft will be available sooner rather than later, giving the team a vital opportunity to push for better outcomes in 2026.