Lori from Brookfield, WI

Since "trying to look cool like Wes" is now a published trend, please tell us when we can have the first annual All-Weston Inbox Day.

My birthday could be a good date (Dec. 14).

Dan from Maquoketa, IA

Do you think Josh Jacobs will catch a touchdown pass this year? If he does, will Jacobs catch it before he sets the record? Only five away from that most catches without a TD record.

Not only will Jacobs catch a TD this year, I'll also do you one better: My dark-horse prediction is Jacobs' receiving score will be the Packers' first touchdown of the 2024 campaign.

Wayne from Stevens Point, WI

I am as excited about our WR and TE collection as anyone. I hope hamstrings and pecs don't tweak. Many are watching these players for the second-year jump. I think we saw that jump starting about Game 8 last year. Those young players got more exposure than typical youngsters. So, I say, "Don't expect a second-year jump, except for Bo Melton and Malik Heath." And I hope I am wrong. Your thoughts on the amount of experience they already have.

I can understand your take on "Expectations are the thief of joy," but I also think Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Luke Musgrave, and Tucker Kraft haven't even scratched the surface of their potential. Even Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs still have room for growth entering Year 3. While the second- and third-year leaps may not be as noticeable as most, that's only because these receivers and tight ends have established a strong baseline from which to build. They're all still on the rise.

Ryan from Manitowoc, WI

The talent at wide receiver is incredible, but I also see so much talent and potential at tight end. It seems to me the Brett Favre-led Super Bowl teams were lethal with "Chewy" and Keith Jackson. How can coach use his TEs to exploit defenses the way they did, and keep the receivers happy? Thanks

Because they're all working towards a common goal and every emerging weapon just makes the others stronger. Just imagine the possibilities given Matt LaFleur's penchant for using multiple tight ends. Whenever Musgrave and Kraft are on the field, LaFleur will use both to wear down the opposition. It's my contention that can only help the receiving corps.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Bill Barnwell of ESPN ranked the teams with the top "playmaking groups (RB, TE, WR and QB)" on offense in the NFL. He had the Packers ranked 17th. His ranking No. 1-7 got my attention: 49ers, Eagles, Dolphins, Texans, Vikings, Bears and Lions. Although I don't agree with him, one thing is clear: the GB defense will be tested early and often. Thoughts Wes?

I just don't care what any of these people think, especially in July. I respect the job these writers are doing, but this isn't boxing or MMA. There are no judges' scorecards. The league's top playmakers will prove themselves in due time. Everything else is there to fill column inches until something real happens. The Packers certainly have their work cut out for them with the opponents mentioned, but it's up to the defensive players and coaches to meet that challenge regardless of outside perception. I don't care what some anonymous scout thinks.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Welcome back, Wes! For the training camp practices I've attended, there is always so much going on at once. What is your vantagepoint to watch? What is your strategy to view multiple position groups? Finally, do you have access to film after practices to enhance what you saw live?

We don't have access to practice footage, meaning we have one shot at watching plays during training camp. My strategy is to pick a position and focus on it during that practice, especially during individuals (e.g. 1-on-1 OL vs. DL, RBs vs. LBs and WRs vs. DBs). If you try to watch everything, you'll see nothing.

Monty from Velva, ND

Welcome back gentlemen! With the new 4-3 defense, do you see Lukas Van Ness getting some reps in the DT position? He is about the same size as Colby Wooden. I would love to see a defensive line of Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Kenny Clark and LVN on an obvious passing down. I am picturing some OCs sweating over that combination!

I could see it on passing downs. The Packers used similarity-built Za'Darius Smith in that capacity. Dom Capers used to line up Julius Peppers as a three-tech rusher in the NASCAR package in the mid-2010s. Inside six (yards) to the sticks, however, I expect Van Ness to be a five-plus-technique defensive end in Jeff Hafley's scheme. Green Bay already has plenty of 300-plus bodies to disrupt the interior. From what I've seen, Van Ness' strength and speed are best utilized off the edge in nickel.

Lori from Heredia, Costa Rica

Hey Weston, can you explain the allocation of QB3 for me please? When are teams allowed to dress a third quarterback and is there an extra man allowed to be dressed on game day? And it's still the talk about the 53, so I'm assuming there's not an extra person allowed there, either.

It's pretty simple. Teams are allowed to carry a third emergency quarterback regardless of whether that player is on the 53-man roster. Using last year as an example, practice-squad QB Alex McGough would've been allowed to dress on gameday. If McGough entered the game, neither Jordan Love nor Sean Clifford would've been eligible to return.

Maximilian from Whittier, CA

First of all, I wanted to commend Vic on choosing the mountains of western North Carolina as a place to live. That was my favorite spot to visit during my graduate school years. The 2023 Packers were 31st in the league in defending the middle of the field. How do we gauge early progress with a new DC, free agent and rookie safeties, one (maybe two) rookie inside backers, and a new rushing scheme up front?

Evidently by using whatever Pro Football Focus site you used to uncover rankings for yards allowed across the middle of the field. I don't mean to be trite. I just don't know how to intelligently answer your question. Cover better? Rush faster? Tackle? More man? I don't know. Take your pick.

Charles from New Berlin, WI

Good morning, II. Can a team trade a player from its practice squad or does the player have to be on the 53-man roster. Also, kudos to Vic on a sweet eagle!

The latter…as much as I wanted to respond to this with "Yes, a practice-squad player can be traded but only after catching 10 interceptions in 36 regular-season games like Rasul Douglas."

Tom from Baraga, MI

I live in Baraga which is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. While on a motorcycle poker run, I ate at the 1902 Bar and Grill in South Range. I noticed and keg taps on the wall, and one was 1919. So, I asked if that was in reference to the 1919 bar in Lambeau Field and was told that it was. I then asked what type of beer it was and was told Root Beer. So, Wes…if you are ever in South Range, stop in the 1902 and have a cold one.

Oh, I'm quite familiar with 1919 root beer. I had a keg at my bachelor party (seriously). I'm not sure that's true about Lambeau Field, though.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Mike said he helped get the Packers Yearbook to press. When can we expect them be in the newsstands?

It's typically on the shelves in time for the Packers shareholders meeting, which is scheduled for July 22 this year.

Mitch from Eagle River, WI

Hey guys! I'm not an owner or shareholder but I would like to inquire about the first training camp practice on July 22. I would like to attend but I want to make sure it's open to the public and not just shareholders before I make the trip. I know you mentioned to arrive early but what type of crowd numbers might one expect? Will all the regular atrium activities be open as well including the pro shop, 1919, stadium tours and the HOF? Thanks!

Only the shareholders meeting is closed to the public. Practice is open to everyone, along with 1919, Packers Pro Shop, stadium tours, etc.

Scott from Sauk City, WI

Spoff, thanks for the Vic update. In a bizarre week where I have been feeling "off" for reasons I can't figure out, this brought me great comfort. I'm certain that Vic touched more lives here than he'll ever realize. When you and Wes give up this gig, what are you going to do in retirement? Will you enjoy football as a fan? Or will you always want to write about it?

Spoff is out the rest of the week, but I feel confident saying Mike will be a featured seat-filler at home Brewers games once his professional writing days are through.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Spoff mentioned in Wednesday's column that he has interviewed many veteran players that said they still get nervous before each game. How about you two? Is there any frequent submitter that makes you nervous when you see his or her submission in the Inbox?

Several make me roll my eyes, but none make me nervous.

Eric from Holiday, FL

Is crying allowed in the Inbox? I don't know why but seeing that update from Vic brought tears to my eyes. This column has been such a big part of my life for more than 10 years now. It has helped me gain perspective, not just in football, but in life. I am a better person because of Ask Vic and Insider Inbox. Thanks for all that you 3 have done. It made my heart so happy to hear Vic is doing well. He deserves it. Enough sob stories, is it time for football yet?

We're another day closer, Eric. Have a good weekend.