Tucker Kraft reveals why he expected Lukas Van Ness to break out for Packers
· Yahoo Sports
Tucker Kraft was not surprised to see Lukas Van Ness make a major impact in the Green Bay Packers’ 20-17 overtime win over the New York Jets. Van Ness helped the defense carry the team through a difficult afternoon that included Jayden Reed’s scary injury and a lackluster offensive performance. After the game, Kraft explained why he expected his teammate to deliver such a strong showing.
Kraft has seen Van Ness’ ability up close through countless battles in practice, giving the Packers tight end a clear understanding of what the former first round Iowa pick can bring. After Green Bay’s Week 2 victory, Kraft discussed his pass rushing teammate and explained why he believes Van Ness could be on the verge of a breakout season.
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Know who isn’t surprised to see Lukas Van Ness have a game like this? Tucker Kraft.
“Because I have to practice against him every day.”
Kraft on why he thinks Van Ness has primed to break out: pic.twitter.com/TWVRce2Fh7
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 20, 2026
“Seeing all the work he puts in, seeing it all come to fruition, it just puts a smile on my face. Because I have to practice against him every day, and I know how good he is. Barring injury last year, he would have been doing the same stuff,” commented the Packers star tight end.
Tucker Kraft on Lukas Van Ness’ performance for the Packers
Sep 20, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness (90) celebrates a fourth down defensive stop New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesThe 25-year-old made his presence felt throughout the matchup, recording 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks in Green Bay’s victory over Aaron Glenn’s Jets. Kraft clearly appreciates having the linebacker as a teammate, especially considering what it would be like to face him from the other side of the line.
“So with a guy like Lukas Van Ness, you hate to say the sky is the limit, because I think he can be even better. He’s a dog. He’s a physical specimen, and I’d hate to have to play against him when the lights are actually on,” Kraft continued.
Sep 20, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) catches a pass for 10 yards during the third quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesGreen Bay has not yet reached the level expected of a team with Super Bowl aspirations, but the season is still in its early stages. One encouraging development has been Van Ness’ emergence as a difference maker on LaFleur’s defense. His continued impact could be important when the Packers return to action at home against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3.