Garrett from Rockford, MI

With contracts and hold-ins and two weeks all done,
McCarren and Mike, Wes and his son,
Watching in awe, staring as one
As footballs came in, each one by one.

The first ball was caught, causing a mighty cheer.
The second one too, was tucked in near.
After the third, he could make a career.
And the team gathered round, for the prodigy of the year.

I don't often lead Inbox with a poem but that is no ordinary poem – it's art, really.

Kathryn from Greenville, N.C.

Can we get the kid from Family Night who caught the three balls to toss the coin at one of the games?

Toss the coin? Get that young man on the roster.

Jeremy from West Allis, WI

Now that Jordan Love has his extension, do you think he'll play in the preseason?

That's the $10 question. I have no idea whether Love will suit up, though it wouldn't surprise me if his availability is partially tied to whether Zach Tom is cleared for in-game action yet.

Arlan from Cedar Rapids, IA

Just curious watching players enter Saturday night, I noticed one stop on the sideline and just turn and look all around the fans in the stands. Seemed like he was just amazed at the number of people. Didn't catch a number, darn it, but do new players ever comment on their first experience with a stadium full of fans for practice?

Most of these guys have played in front of 80,000 people before. Even if you attended a small school, chances are you played a non-conference game in a major Power 5 stadium. Still, it hits different when that many people show up for a practice.

Bill from Mequon, WI

I haven't heard how Caleb Jones is doing. He was so dominant on running plays in the preseason. I was hoping that, at the least, he would be used on short-yardage and goal-line plays, assuming that he was a capable backup at other positions on the O-line.

Jones took a step Saturday night, taking No. 1 reps for the first time this summer. Pete Dougherty and Paul Bretl chatted with Jones after Family Night, and he noted how far his pass-blocking has come in his two years in Green Bay – something he didn't do a ton at Indiana compared to most Power 5 tackles. Jones is right in the thick of this thing with Kadeem Telfort, Andre Dillard and Luke Tenuta all competing for the swing-tackle job.

Kevin from Jenison, MI

I know Jordan Morgan has been working almost exclusively at RG this camp, but if a tackle went down could you see him moving out there and Sean Rhyan into the guard spot? Rhyan seems like the next best lineman, but it'd be a lot on the plate of a rookie.

Historically, I've felt the less you have to move around multiple players, the better it is for your offensive line. However, Elgton Jenkins and Tom dispelled that notion because of how proficient they both are at playing multiple positions. While I don't know how the dominoes will fall come September, this offensive line will be prepared for every scenario.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, coming out of Family Night is there anything you will be looking for in particular this week and into the game in Cleveland? Did Family Night answer questions for you, or lead to more and greater questions?

I don't think I've ever seen a position battle play out like the one at safety. Javon Bullard, Evan Williams and Anthony Johnson Jr. have different strengths, but all three have played a high level next to Xavier McKinney. Just when you think one safety is separating himself, the next guy does something even more eye-catching. They all could win that job and I'd feel fine about it, but ultimately only one will take the field with McKinney in Brazil. And the beat goes on…

Andrew from Plano, IL

How do you think our receiving core is going to fall into place for our depth chart this season? Because it feels like we have a bunch of dawgs, and I could see a lot of them taking the WR spot and so on with Christian Watson's injuries, Jayden Reed looked great last year, and same with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.

It's a great problem to have, especially given the tight-knit nature of that room. If everyone can stay healthy, I'm excited to see what Matt LaFleur and the offensive coaches come up with. Beyond those core four, Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Samori Toure and Grant DuBose also have a lot to offer.

Jim from Westland, MI

So, questions about tackle and worries having to cut serious talent goes for 31 other teams. I'm sure the personal department already has identified swing-tackle prospects if/when they become available. The final 53 isn't final until the season is...final.

Absolutely. The Packers didn't just randomly pick Zayne Anderson's name out of a jar when they claimed him off waivers from Buffalo last September. Conversely, so few players are claimed relative to external fears about whether they'll clear waivers to return on the practice squad…because most teams are struggling to pare down their roster to 53, too.

David from Janesville, WI

Gents, I'm glad Kenny Clark and Jordan Love have their extensions out of the way. A lot of talk has been devoted to some of the third-year guys who will be eligible for an extension next offseason, but one guy in a contract year I haven't heard much about is Isaiah McDuffie. I'm really curious to see how he plays in this new setup. Early feedback has been positive, I believe? He just seems like a good football player to have on your side.

There may be bigger, stronger and faster linebackers out there, but Isaiah McDuffie is the very definition of a football player. He has intangibles you can't time, measure or quantify. Put him on the field and he will find the ball-carrier. Most importantly, McDuffie has never stopped improving since the Packers drafted him. Like Eric Wilson, McDuffie has conceded little ground in this competition to start alongside Quay Walker.

TK from Grafton, WI

Let's say the 53rd roster spot comes down to two rookies at the same position. One of them is a physical beast with a penchant for blown assignments, while the other is "OK" physically but assignment-sure. Who gets the nod?

It's an interesting question. When it comes to the gameday roster, it's often the latter. I always use the example of Jamaal Williams and Devante Mays suiting up before Aaron Jones. But if we're talking about two rookies on the bubble, the physical specimen probably gets the nod if both were drafted around the same time.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Is there a chance the kicker that does not win the kicking competition, could they go on the practice squad or is it more likely a position-player need is more of a priority?

From everything I've seen, Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph should both be kicking in the NFL this season.

John from Lake Nebagamon, WI

With regards to the kicking competition, if Carlson and Joseph are so close in their battle for a spot, do we see the coaches turning to more field goal attempts in the preseason games? The offensive roster bubble guys need their work as well, but we know how vital the kicking game can be.

They'll kick whenever it makes sense. I don't see LaFleur sending Carlson out for a 52-yard field goal on third-and-4 or anything because he simply wants to see if his guy can make it. Those situations are what practice is for.

Stephie Rae from Flowery Branch, GA

Hey Mike, Wes and all y'all submitters, I just want to send you some love. Both the questions and answers are so enlightening and somewhat addicting. I look forward to reading your content daily and am honored when you answer one of mine. I feel like I lived up to the high standards the others set. Thanks to everyone! We are so blessed. Go Pack Go! Questions: Is anyone concerned about Josh Jacobs' injuries and his lack of practice with team? How do we practice tackling without hurting each other?

Thanks for reading, Stephie Rae. I'm not concerned about Jacobs. The Packers held Jacobs out of practice Thursday out of an overabundance of caution, but he was back for individual periods during Family Night. While Jacobs has missed a handful of games in his career, he's also played in 13 or more contests during each of his first five seasons. Durability is not an issue there.

Jeff from Janesville, WI

At first blush, it looks like our offensive line might be the issue this team faces this year.

Any offensive line battling injury will have some problems, especially going against a defensive front as formidable as Green Bay's. Again, let's see how things look once Tom is back in 11-on-11. He's a huge piece to this puzzle.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

On average, how much water does an NFL player drink during a training camp day? At my outdoor retail job, I chug 8-10 20-oz. bottles a day in the summer. I'd imagine they go through a lot, too!

I remember talking to Marcedes Lewis about this years ago. I can't recall Lewis' exact water intake, but it was a lot. He's very deliberate about how much water he drinks, especially before noon. Lewis believes hydration was a big part of his durability.

Paula from Apple Valley, MN

Thank you for the article on Daniel Whelan. I forgot he was only in his second year on the team and had not put much thought into his performance last year. It made me realize how different "teams" can be. Sometimes it's a good sign when you are not thinking about them. If you are, it's often done holding your breath with fingers crossed. Could this be the year we won't need to hold our breath for both punts and field goal attempts?

Only time will tell, but I commend Whelan for how he's taken hold of the Packers' punting job and not gotten the least bit complacent. Even without direct in-house competition, Whelan is pushing to improve. As Mike noted, Whelan has added weight to a 6-foot-5 frame that can easily carry it. That increased strength has helped Whelan maintain power on the ball even when he doesn't hit it perfectly.

Jim from Tucson, AZ

Is it possible, permissible, practical, or legal to use our punter for kickoffs under the new rules?

The Packers can use whomever they wish. I've personally always felt like the kicker is the most qualified to handle it because of the power and precision required to kick off with consistency.

Ross from Summerville, SC

Gents, does this new kickoff rule look out of place? Gonna take a lot of getting used to.

Will it, though? I think most fans already use kickoffs for a bathroom break.

Al from Green Bay, WI

I can't help but feel badly for Jacob Eason. I know the uncertainty of it all comes with the territory of a journeyman NFL player, but the ever-changing landscape has to be a bit hard to take. Aside from the personal impact, what does this move tell you about the GB QB room?

It's a tough business, but I'm sure Eason is appreciative to have the opportunity to get back in an NFL camp as the former fourth-round pick looks to land a backup job somewhere.

Jeffery from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

You may have answered this previously but wondering how the new kickoff rules apply to the kick after a safety? With our new attacking defense, wishing for a handful of safeties this year.

After a safety, the team scored upon must put the ball in play by a free kick (punt, dropkick, or placekick) from its 20-yard line. An artificial or manufactured tee cannot be used. The setup zone and landing zone will not change.

Herbert from Palm Desert, CA

Good morning, Wes. I recall articles where unnamed scouts stated that both Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark had tendencies to take plays off during their college careers. I've never seen either give less than 100 percent as a Packers. Do you think they suddenly matured when they became professionals, or were the reports just plain wrong?

I couldn't care less how "unnamed scouts" viewed Gary or Clark in college. That hay just isn't in the barn – it's already made its way through the cow's digestive track. I personally love how we always take the opinion of unnamed scouts as gospel. No questions asked. Never mind that we have no idea of their qualifications, background or potential bias. In the end, the only reports that matter are the ones in the filing cabinets of the Packers' scouting department…and we ain't ever seein' them.

Morgan from Deerfield, IL

Will No. 33 play as well in Minnesota as he did in GB?

Jones will do his part. That much I know.

Milan from New York, NY

Speaking of kick returns: As a Packers fan since 1956, I had the pleasure of hearing over the radio Al Carmichael return a kickoff 106 yards for a TD, a record at the time. I looked him up on Wiki. I didn't know that he had a long career as a stuntman in Hollywood.

It beats selling life insurance, I suppose.

Doug from Woodington, OH

Wes, did you make it down to the bowl Saturday evening?

I did not and probably never will. My place is the locker room, chasing down players for a quote and quip.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, please tell us about Young Hod's Family Night adventure. What was your favorite part?

Seeing the joy on my son's face during all the pre-practice festivities. He loved the thunder sticks and chasing beach balls that bounced through our section. Once the actual football started, boredom beckoned. It still was a memorable night for this proud papa.