The season couldn't have started much worse for Packers TE Luke Musgrave. He didn't get hurt, but he did play way behind TE Tucker Kraft. Musgrave played on just 25% of Green Bay's offensive snaps in the loss to Philadelphia. Kraft stayed on the field for 64 of 67 plays. Kraft also ran 30 pass routes to Musgrave's eight.
What They're Saying
Packers OC Adam Stenavich in late August: "(His camp) was up and down. I thought he made a lot of good strides in the pass game. There's still some stuff I'd like to see him work on. But I'm excited to see him play. He flashed some really special things out there at times."
Kurt Benkert, formerly a backup QB in Green Bay and now an analyst for Sleeper, blaming Musgrave for a Jordan Love INT vs. Philly: "Jordan is throwing to the spot with anticipation, and if the TE just runs the route correctly it’s a completion or incomplete. No threat of pick if he does his job."
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
None of us wants to overreact to a single game. But there's no reason to cling to Musgrave, who entered the season as an uncertain asset anyway.
Green Bay clearly doesn't need him to fix his issues. The playing time of the two TEs show that coaches are willing to let Kraft lead the position. And that's no surprise after he filled in well following Musgrave's 2023 injury.
It's worth noting that Kraft drew just 3 targets vs. Musgrave's 2 for the game.
The crowded WR corps further complicates the situation for both TEs. And QB Jordan Love's injury means you probably won't want to use any Green Bay TE for at least the next 3 weeks.
Trade Value Changes
This is even bad news for Musgrave's dynasty outlook. Kraft entered in the same draft, so they're both under contract through 2026.
We'll see how the season progresses for Musgrave. But he might prove to be no more than a Kraft handcuff.
Waiver Wire Targets
Ravens TE Isaiah Likely obviously stands out as a primary Week 2 waiver target. We'll see who else emerges from the rest of the Week 1 slate.