The Green Bay Packers are heading into their game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday with a few key injuries that could make a big difference. Right tackle Zach Tom and tight end Tucker Kraft are both questionable, which is a huge concern for Packers fans. Tom is one of the best offensive linemen in the league, and Kraft is a top-tier tight end who leads the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Kraft suffered a knee injury in practice on Thursday and didn’t practice on Friday, which doesn’t bode well for his chances of playing on Sunday. Coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t willing to commit either way, saying “I couldn’t tell you” when asked if Kraft would play. Kraft himself declined an interview request, which suggests that he’s not feeling too confident about his status.
If Kraft can’t play, it’ll be a big opportunity for Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick to step up. Musgrave is a downfield threat, while FitzPatrick is a proven blocker, but neither of them has the all-around skillset that Kraft brings to the table. Coach LaFleur seems to think that Musgrave is up to the task, saying “Whether Tuck can go or not, that’ll be more opps for Luke. He’s a guy that we obviously think very, very highly of and are confident that he can go out there and do a great job for us.”
The Packers’ offensive line is also a concern, with Zach Tom’s status up in the air. Tom himself said that he’s “weighing the options” and will see how he feels on Sunday. If he can’t play, rookie Anthony Belton will likely start in his place. Belton had a solid game last week, with offensive line coach Luke Butkus saying that he was “pleasantly surprised” by the rookie’s performance.
The Browns, on the other hand, have their own set of injuries to deal with. Defensive tackle Mike Hall is out with a knee injury, while left guard Joel Bitonio, right tackle Jack Conklin, and receiver/returner DeAndre Carter are all questionable. Bitonio has been a Pro Bowler for seven straight seasons, so his absence would be a big blow to the Browns’ offense.
Overall, it seems like the Browns have the advantage when it comes to injuries. The Packers are missing some key players, including Jayden Reed, who’s out with a broken collarbone. The Browns, on the other hand, have a few players who are questionable, but it doesn’t seem like they’ll be missing anyone too crucial.
The Packers will need to be careful against the Browns’ powerful defensive front, especially if Tom and Kraft can’t play. The Browns’ offense, on the other hand, will need to contend with the Packers’ swarming defense, which has already racked up 33 quarterback pressures and eight sacks this season.
It’s going to be a tough game for both teams, but it seems like the Browns have the upper hand when it comes to injuries. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out on Sunday.
