The Green Bay Packers, like all other NFL teams, are in the midst of their training camp in preparation for the 2025 season. Despite the fact that these practices are in their early stages, there have been plenty of headlines coming out of Packers training camp that have fans very intrigued to see the 2025 team.
Of course, the battle for a job at wide receiver is one that many fans are keeping an eye on. Rookie pass catcher Matthew Golden has been turning heads ever since camp began, and his chemistry with Jordan Love is quickly developing. Just today (Tuesday), the pair connected for a 60-yard touchdown pass and catch during practice.
Aside from the exciting playmaking from several members of the team, the physicality with which the Packers are practicing has also drawn some attention. Nate Hobbs, for example, was benched following a hard hit on running back Marshawn Lloyd.
Additionally, several players found themselves called out publicly by head coach Matt LaFleur.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Called Out Tight End Tucker Kraft
On Monday, one of the plays that was mentioned by multiple beat reporters was how second-year safety Evan Williams punched the ball out of tight end Tucker Kraft‘s hands on a pass and catch play. Apparently, it is not the first time Kraft, who has just one fumble in two seasons, dropped the ball during camp.
While speaking with reporters on Tuesday morning, LaFleur said, “I got on the guys this morning about exposing the football. Certainly, we all know what kind of player Tucker Kraft is and can be. He can’t allow Evan Williams to reach around and punch a ball out, so it is challenging everybody and hopefully that makes us that much better.”
Kraft, of course, is a fan-favorite whom many believe will be one of the NFL’s best tight ends this season. Williams, for his part, emerged as the Packers’ other starting safety as a rookie last year alongside All-Pro Xavier McKinney.
And as far as the criticism from LaFleur goes, well, Kraft was not really having any of it.
Green Bay Packers Tight End Tucker Kraft Claps Back at Matt LaFleur
When Kraft was asked about LaFleur’s comments, he seemed to brush them off in as respectful a manner possible. Listening to him, it would appear that the rules of practice slightly favor the defense right now.
“Um, yeah, sure,” Kraft said per Matt Schneidman. “It’s something we’re always working on. I’d say a lot of the times — there’s certain rules you play with in practice, like just letting the defense punch repeatedly. You’re not allowed to stiff-arm. I guess all I have are excuses. Yes, I am working on not fumbling the ball in practice.
“It’s a large part of my game. I use my off hand as a weapon, repeatedly, all the time. I’ve shown that, so I get my reps in that when we play games, I guess. … I just play by the rules. I don’t make ’em.
“That’s just a ‘yes sir, no sir’ mentality with coach at this point. You want to obviously keep the ball in the offense’s possession as long as possible. Bus fine, in my opinion. Whatever.”
When asked to clarify what he meant by “bus,” Kraft explained that he felt his head coach threw him under the bus.
Schneidman also clarified that Kraft was being light-hearted, but was noticeably “peeved” that LaFleur said what he did. That being said, it is not expected to be an issue that lingers very long.
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