Packers: “Most Productive” Practice Yet Is Good Sign for Oft-Injured Tight End Luke Musgrave Entering Year 3

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave had a rough go last season, his second in the NFL after being drafted 42nd overall in 2023. In addition to being hampered by health issues, long before season’s end he had been clearly superseded by fellow sophomore Tucker Kraft. That’s not going to change in 2025, but Musgrave looks to be off on the right foot in training camp as he hopes for his first season at near full health.

Musgrave shows strong hands, route-running in practice No. 7 of Green Bay Packers camp

Musgrave managed to play 11 games as a rookie and commanded a superior target share over Kraft, averaging more than four per contest to the latter’s 2.4. He finished the season with 34 catches for 352 yards and was named a breakout candidate ahead of year two. Injuries did not let that happen. Barely involved in the passing game, per Pro Football Focus he took only 74 offensive snaps and accumulated 45 receiving yards.

Kraft, meanwhile, taken 78th that same draft, emerged as a go-to target for quarterback Jordan Love. On run plays, the offense turned to him exclusively for blocking duties. Kraft has also enjoyed a massive availability advantage. Through two seasons, he has appeared in every game.

Musgrave may be a clearcut secondary option, but he can still do a lot more for this offense.

Team reporter and Packers.com editor Mike Spofford liked what he saw from him in Thursday’s practice, the seventh of training camp leading up to Family Night on August 2.

“I thought today we saw the most productive practice from Luke Musgrave that he’s had so far in camp. Third-year tight end, lot of talent, really athletic. Has unfortunately dealt with a lot of injuries his first two seasons.

But today he made a couple of catches on downfield throws from Jordan Love. The first one was an amazing throw that was fit in right by the boundary between Carrington Valentine, Xavier McKinney. Musgrave makes a nice catch there. He makes a sliding catch on another one, a back-foot throw. … And almost hauls in a desperation throw by Love to the end zone at the end of two-minute [drill].”

Spofford said Musgrave also connected with backup Malik Willis while drilling with the second unit during team periods.

He did note that, despite a strong showing, Musgrave did not check all the boxes. Particularly if he’s limited to passing situations, as he was last year, he’ll have to shore up his protection skills.

“Not a perfect practice for him,” Spofford said. “I saw one rep where he got matched up unfortunately against Rashan Gary in pass protection. Love had to scramble out of the pocket. So not a perfect day, but Luke Musgrave was a force on that field.”