The Packers have huge shoes to fill after Tucker Kraft’s season came to an end when he tore his ACL Sunday in a loss to the Carolina Panthers.
This week, Green Bay signed veteran tight end Josh Whyle, likely as a piece of the puzzle at the position, and he’ll potentially be part of a rotation the rest of the season alongside Luke Musgrave.
How Derrick Henry figured in Packers TE Josh Whyle’s first touchdown
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati tight end Josh Whyle (TE19) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Ahead of his first game in Green Bay, Packers team reporter Wes Hodkiewicz recalled the story of Whyle’s first career touchdown.
It was thrown by Derrick Henry.
“Operating out of a Wildcat formation,” Hodkiewicz writes. “The four-time All-Pro running back found Whyle open in the back of the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown pass against Cincinnati on Oct. 10, 2023.
“It’s one of four touchdown passes Henry has thrown in his decorated career and buoyed a 27-3 victory for the Titans over the Bengals.”
In 28 career games, Whyle has caught 37 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns, but few of his receptions are liekly as memorable as hauling in a touchdown pass from the future Hall of Fame running back.
While there’s always a chance that Whyle catches a touchdown pass from Josh Jacobs at some point over the second half of the season, Green Bay is hoping that the tight end’s chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love happens quickly and features many return trips to the end zone, in Kraft’s absence.
Nov 17, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) attempts to break a tackle by Green Bay Packers defensive end Dean Lowry (94) in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports