ss After Tucker Kraft’s season-ending injury, ex-Packers Standout TE rejoins Green Bay just one week after his release !
Green Bay, Wisconsin – November 3, 2025 — Early Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers announced they had re-signed tight end Ben Sims, just seven days after moving on from him. The reversal came within hours of medical confirmation that
Tucker Kraft has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season with a knee injury.
Kraft was injured in the third quarter of Sunday’s 16–13 loss to the Carolina Panthers when his left knee buckled on a blocking rep. He was carted off as teammates formed a huddle around him, quieting Lambeau Field.
Follow-up imaging on Monday confirmed significant ligament damage requiring surgery and a long rehabilitation, officially ending his season. Before going down, Kraft was one of the offense’s few steady sparks:
30 receptions, 469 yards, 6 touchdowns — a trusted red-zone outlet for Jordan Love and an emotional bellwether in the locker room.
Sims — released in last week’s roster shuffle — re-joins on a
one-year deal to bolster a tight end group thinned by Kraft’s loss.
Prior to his release, he appeared in four games, working primarily as a blocking tight end and
special teamer. Coaches have consistently praised his toughness, work rate, and fluency in the system.
Head coach Matt LaFleur welcomed him back:
“Ben knows the playbook, knows our culture, and he’s ready to step up,” LaFleur said. “He’s the kind of player you want in your building — reliable, physical, and ready to do the dirty work.”
Sims kept it simple when asked about returning so quickly:
“This place means something to me,” Sims said, standing in front of his locker. “When I got the call, there wasn’t a second thought. I told Coach LaFleur, ‘I’m ready. Whatever you need me to do, I’m in.’ Losing Tuck hurts — we all love that guy — but the best way to honor him is to keep fighting like he would.”
With Kraft sidelined for the year, Luke Musgrave is positioned to take over as the starting tight end, while Sims profiles as the primary in-line blocker and short-yardage option. The Packers could also elevate
Tyler Davis from the practice squad to round out depth.
Quarterback Jordan Love backed the move — and the man:
“Ben’s a pro. He’s tough, smart, and dependable. Everyone in this locker room respects the way he works,” Love said. “He’s not here to replace Tuck — nobody can — but he’s here to help us keep moving forward.”
At 6–3, Green Bay remains firmly in the playoff hunt, but losing Kraft is a gut punch to an offense still searching for rhythm. Bringing back Sims is both a practical fix and a statement of identity — a reminder that the Packers are built on resilience.
“We’ve taken hits before,” LaFleur said. “This team fights. That won’t change.”
Sims’ focus is just as clear:
“I’m not here to talk about what I missed,” he said. “I’m here to help this team win — and to make sure that when Tuck comes back next year, he has a reason to smile at what we accomplished. Putting on the green and gold again, hearing the roar of Lambeau — there’s nothing like it. Green Bay isn’t just where I play — it’s family.”
Under Lambeau’s cold lights, one truth still holds: the Packers might bend, but they don’t break.
