Packers injury report: TE Tucker Kraft has a back injury

A few weeks ago, the Green Bay Packers would have been expected to start Week 1 with a variety of tight end assignments. However, during the cutdowns, reserve tight end and special teams player Tyler Davis was placed on the injured list, ending the season. On Tuesday, the day before the Packers flew to Brazil for the season opener, the Carolina Panthers snagged Messiah Swinson from the Green Bay Packers' practice squad. Before the trade, Swinson was the only tight end on the Packers' practice squad.

On Wednesday, tight end Tucker Kraft was added to the team's injured report with a back injury. The Packers did not practice on Wednesday due to travel, but he was listed as a limited participant on the Green Bay Packers' injured report. That leaves just two healthy tight ends on the Packers' entire 53-man roster and 17-man practice squad: Luke Musgrave and Ben Sims. As a reminder, this roster ranked third in the NFL in 12 personnel looks (one back, two tight ends, two receivers) last season despite injuries to Musgrave, Kraft and Davis.

All of these changes at the tight end position could lead to changes to the final week's schedule. Keep an eye on Kraft's status on Thursday when the team faces the Philadelphia Eagles before kickoff on Friday. Hopefully Kraft's back issue isn't serious.

If Kraft is unable to play against the Eagles, there is a possibility that fullback Andrew Beck, who can play a hybrid role at 6'3″ and 250 pounds, could be promoted from the practice squad. Beck is one of the more experienced players on the Packers' practice squad, having played in 66 games (22 starts) over the course of his NFL career.

Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hip), receiver Romeo Doubs (hand), running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring), cornerback Carrington Valentine (hamstring) and running back Emanuel Wilson (hip) were listed as expected participants on Wednesday. The Eagles estimated only that cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (hand) would participate in limited practice today, but they have ruled out starting linebacker Devin White (ankle) from playing in the game. Like White, Packers defensive end Arron Mosby did not travel to Brazil for an undisclosed personal matter.