The Green Bay Packers fell 16-13 to the Carolina Panthers in a stunning Week 9 upset at Lambeau Field, sealed by Ryan Fitzgerald's 49-yard field goal as time expired. The defeat was compounded by a feared torn ACL for tight end Tucker Kraft, who was carted off in the third quarter. Packers coach Matt LaFleur described the injury as not looking good, leaving Green Bay at 5-2-1.
Sunday's matchup at Lambeau Field turned into a nightmare for the Green Bay Packers, who suffered a shocking 16-13 home loss to the Carolina Panthers, dropping to 5-2-1. The Panthers, led by a strong defensive effort, held the Packers to limited production, with the game decided by Ryan Fitzgerald's 49-yard field goal at the buzzer.
The loss highlighted ongoing concerns about Green Bay's inconsistency against lesser opponents. Earlier this season, the Packers fell to the Cleveland Browns and tied the Dallas Cowboys, and this defeat to Carolina fits a pattern of playing down to competition. Coach Matt LaFleur noted post-game that the team may have looked ahead to their Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
Compounding the defeat was a devastating injury to tight end Tucker Kraft, a 2023 third-round pick who has been a key offensive weapon. Kraft suffered a right knee injury in the third quarter during a running play, when he was hit and carted to the locker room. LaFleur told reporters the injury 'did not look good,' and NFL Media reported fears of a torn ACL, which would sideline him for the season. Kraft had two catches for 20 yards on three targets before exiting and leads the team with six touchdown receptions, including seven catches for 143 yards and two scores in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden also exited in the third quarter with a shoulder injury, forcing Green Bay to finish without two key pass-catchers. Despite the setbacks, the Packers' roster remains championship-caliber, but this upset raises questions about their contender status in a tightening NFC North.
The Panthers improved to an unspecified record with the victory, showcasing resilience on the road.