Packers plan to bring back tight end McCallan Castles as camp depth gets tested

The Green Bay Packers are expected to re-sign tight end McCallan Castles, a move framed as a return to stabilize a position group that has been short-handed early in camp. Castles was previously released by the team before the draft, and the Packers’ decision to bring him back highlights how quickly roster plans can change once practice availability becomes the main constraint.

In the days leading into Monday practice, reports described the Packers’ tight end room as “extremely banged up.” The situation was said to be more than just one player missing reps. Tucker Kraft, a top tight end option, was described as still ramping back up in practice after a season-ending ACL tear suffered in 2025, keeping his availability a question even as camp work continues.

Other tight end names were also part of the reported limitations. Luke Musgrave was listed as down with a neck issue going into practice, while R.J. Maryland was described as unavailable with a hamstring ailment. Taken together, the absences tighten the margin for a position where game-day play-calling often requires a mix of pass routes, run-game blocking, and situational matchups.

The same report also pointed to ongoing caution with Luke Lachey, a tight end added by Green Bay in mid-June after initially failing his physical due to a hamstring issue. Lachey was reported to be in a boot and on a scooter post-practice, an update that further indicates the Packers are managing health and workload carefully as they sort through camp reps and depth chart roles.

Castles’ return matters most because tight end rotations can compress quickly when multiple players are restricted at the same time. Even when a team has talent at the top, the middle and depth tiers become decisive for retaining rhythm during two-a-day periods, maintaining continuity in practice run packages, and building trust with quarterbacks on quick timing throws and run-action concepts.

For Green Bay, the next thing to watch is whether camp availability stabilizes for the group as the weeks progress. If the reported tight end limitations persist, the Packers could lean on more practice reps for backups and new roles for players who are normally situational. If health improves, the re-signing of Castles may function as insurance that prevents the tight end room from falling behind in both conditioning and scheme execution.