What observers say
“I hate to be an excuse guy, but we just need everyone healthy,” said Tucker Kraft, reflecting the sentiment that has echoed throughout the Green Bay Packers’ locker room as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. The Packers, who have struggled with injuries in recent years, are looking to rebound after a disappointing finish to the previous season.
Injuries plagued the Packers last year, contributing to a dismal end where they lost five straight games. Kraft, who tore his ACL in Week 9, is among the key players expected to return, but his recovery is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The team is also counting on the return of Devonte Wyatt, who suffered season-ending leg and ankle injuries, and Micah Parsons, who is projected to miss the first few games of the season due to an ACL tear.
Despite these setbacks, the Packers have a solid foundation with Josh Jacobs as their starting running back and Chris Brooks as a capable third-down option. However, the team is still in search of a backup running back, as they currently lack proven options on the roster. The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft class presents some intriguing prospects, but many come with their own set of flaws.
“There was no point in the season where I felt like we weren’t a championship-caliber team. At no point in the year,” stated Parsons, emphasizing the belief within the team that they can compete at a high level when healthy. This confidence is crucial as the Packers aim to break free from a trend of early playoff exits, having bowed out in the wild-card round for two consecutive years.
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 admission highlights the urgency for the Packers to not only recover their injured players but also to bolster their roster depth ahead of the new season.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, the Packers have extended the contracts of head coach Matt LaFleur and Gutekunst, signaling a commitment to their current leadership despite the challenges faced last year. The team is expected to have key injured players returning, which could significantly impact their performance.
The Packers finished the previous season with a record of 9-3-1 before injuries took their toll, leading to a disappointing end. As they prepare for the new season, the focus will be on regaining that momentum and ensuring that they can field a competitive team.
As the Packers look ahead, the return of key players and the potential for new talent through the draft will be pivotal. However, the road to recovery and success will require not just physical healing but also a mental reset for a team eager to reclaim its status in the league.
