“I hate to be an excuse guy, but we just need everyone healthy,” said Tucker Kraft, reflecting the sentiment that has permeated the Green Bay Packers’ locker room as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season. This statement encapsulates the struggle the team faced in the previous season, where injuries to key players severely impacted their performance and playoff aspirations.
Last season, the Packers finished with a disappointing record, losing five straight games to end the year. The injuries to pivotal players like Kraft, who tore his ACL in Week 9, and Devonte Wyatt, who suffered season-ending leg and ankle injuries in Week 13, left the team scrambling. Zach Tom also faced a season-ending knee injury in Week 15, contributing to a tumultuous end to a season that started with promise.
Despite these setbacks, the Packers had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, boasting a record of 9-3-1 before injuries took their toll. Micah Parsons, who also faced injury challenges, stated, “There was no point in the season where I felt like we weren’t a championship-caliber team. At no point in the year.” This belief in the team’s potential underscores the frustration that has accompanied their recent playoff exits.
As they look ahead, the Packers are in a precarious position. They have their starter in Josh Jacobs and a capable third-down back in Chris Brooks, but they are still searching for a reliable backup running back. The 2026 NFL Draft class presents some intriguing prospects, yet many come with their own set of flaws, complicating the Packers’ strategy as they prepare for the draft without a first-round pick.
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 a broader challenge for the Packers, who have consistently struggled to advance in the playoffs under head coach Matt LaFleur, especially as they have now bowed out in the wild-card round for two consecutive years.
Looking forward, the Packers are expected to welcome back several key players who missed significant time due to injuries. Kraft is projected to return just ten months post-surgery by Week 1, while Wyatt’s recovery time is estimated at three to five months. Parsons, however, may miss the first three to four games of the season, adding another layer of uncertainty to the team’s plans.
As the Packers prepare for the upcoming season, the return of these injured players could be pivotal in reshaping their fortunes. The team has extended the contracts of both LaFleur and Gutekunst, signaling a commitment to building a competitive roster capable of contending for a championship. With the right adjustments and a bit of luck on the health front, the Packers could very well transform their narrative from one of disappointment to one of resurgence.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final roster decisions and draft strategies, but the Packers’ focus remains clear: to harness their potential and finally break through the playoff barrier that has eluded them in recent years.
