GREEN BAY \u2014 Tucker Kraft had a blast on Sunday. And not once did he think about the financial risk he might\u2019ve been taking.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Green Bay Packers star tight end took part in 11-on-11 team drills for the first time in training camp during Sunday\u2019s in-pads practice at Ray Nitschke Field, and every time he blocked a defender, every time he caught a pass, every time he absorbed contact, every time he celebrated his touchdown with a leaping celebratory chest-bump with a teammate, he knew it got him one step closer to playing in the team\u2019s Sept. 13 regular-season opener at Minnesota.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m just getting back on the horse,\u201d Kraft said with a wide smile afterward. \u201cNow that I’ve gotten back to team reps as I continue to accumulate reps, I hope I can continue to rise my game as well, take myself to new heights rather than just return to [where I was] pre-injury.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Kraft also acknowledged that he is taking a chance by participating these practices at this level given the fact that he\u2019s in the final year of his rookie contract and in line to become the NFL\u2019s highest-paid tight end with a contract extension that seems to be right around the corner but definitely isn\u2019t imminent.<\/p>\n
After tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a Nov. 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field, Kraft started camp on the physically unable to perform list but was activated after missing just two practices.<\/p>\n
But he was limited only to individual drills and catching extra passes from quarterback Jordan Love until Sunday, when he was targeted by Love five times in team periods and caught all five passes, including a 12-yard touchdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll always put it back on the team,\u201d Kraft replied when asked why he was practicing in team periods now without a new deal. \u201cEvery one of these guys comes in here [to work]. This is violent sport and we risk life and limb, guys have to medically retire from this [expletive]. They\u2019re banging heads, they\u2019ve got messed up necks, backs. How many times can you blow a knee out? Guys keep fighting and clawing to come back into this locker room, and that\u2019s the reason I do it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to leave a legacy on this sport as a whole. I want my children to see the lengths I would go to to fight for something I love. And I think I have it right here in the G.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked if he considered not participating in 11-on-11 work until he had a new deal, Kraft replied, \u201cNever crossed my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s up to God,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019ve said this multiple times, in the Bible over 350 times it says, \u2018Do not fear.\u2019 That\u2019s one of his greatest commandments. Something happens to me again, it\u2019s just up to God.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kraft said his goal is to be fully cleared without any snap restrictions for the opener against the Vikings, but he acknowledged that the Packers coaching and medical staffs will likely monitor his snaps \u2014 if not restrict them \u2014 during the first half of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey’re going to take into account my rep range probably until halfway through the season. Then they’re just going to pat me on the ass and send me out there, send me to the wolves,\u201d Kraft said. \u201cI’m going to get as comfortable as I can playing those reps in those games that I was playing previously.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s just, the more you can do, all the hats I can wear on the offense, I want to bring everything to the table. Our job right now is to build my rep range so I’m capable of [playing without restrictions] in Week 1.\u201d<\/p>\n
And does he also expect to have a new deal by Week 1?<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the goal,\u201d Kraft said. \u201cI think we\u2019re a different team when I\u2019m out on the field. And I think that\u2019s obvious.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think everyone in this organization, every fan knows that, without sounding arrogant. I think there\u2019s a different feel to the offense when I\u2019m out there.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve kind of gone through life \u2026 assuming things will always just work out in the end. So I\u2019m just going to continue to assume that it\u2019s all going to work out for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
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