Eric from Rochester, MN

Good morning, fellas! No question here, just One Guy With One Thing: I really miss Wes opening up the column with his patented, "Good Morning!" It always seemed to set the stage for a bright day and great column, not that the columns aren't always great! I appreciate the immense work both of you do on a daily basis! GPG! Oh, and GOOD MORNING!

Good morning indeed!

Gene from Greenville, WI

What are your thoughts (pros/cons) about having starters playing preseason games? Some teams elect to sit all of their starters out, some limited playing time.

I thought Saturday was perfect for the Packers. Throw the starters out there, let them go through their pre-practice routine and build some confidence with a quick scoring drive. Start to finish, I felt that game spoke to both the talent and depth the Packers have. The con is risk of potential injury. That's always the con.

Paul from Northglenn, CO

Safe to say the front and back end on defense performed as expected?

My "Packers win if…" during our "Final Thoughts" video was the defensive front performing the way it has in practice…and it did. The Browns were no match for the second-team defensive line, which bullied its way to three sacks while holding Cleveland to 2.7 yards per rush. Schemes are vanilla in preseason, but physicality is physicality. The Packers brought it.

Dan from Oklahoma City, OK

Someone tell me how Emanuel Wilson doesn't make this team? If I had a team looking for an RB, I sure would give the Packers a call about No. 31. Also, tough choices to make at the safety position come cut time. Amazing how one year can change depth issue. Thank you, Mr. Gutekunst.

He's picked up right where he left off. After leading the NFL in preseason rushing yards last year, Wilson is now up to 290 yards and three touchdowns on 51 carries (5.7 yards per carry) in four preseason games. The 5-foot-10, 226-pound running back just keeps making plays.

James from Appleton, WI

I see the folks at Pro Football Focus determined AJ Dillon gained a total of seven yards after initial contact. So, there's that to consider. I knew Emanuel Wilson was going to state his case. I expect Dillon will be ready to blast through the next (first) hole he sees.

I echo everything Spoff wrote Monday. The second-team O-line got off to a slow start before settling in. Dillon has an important role on this team, as there isn't a Patrick Taylor on the roster – a proven pass protector with years of experience in the offense. Wilson and MarShawn Lloyd are solid prospects but still young players.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Is there a possibility the Packers would carry four running backs or does Wilson have to play all the preseason like he did against Cleveland to beat out AJ Dillon for three backs on the team?

The Packers could absolutely carry four running backs on this roster. Shoot, they did it for half of last season. I get it's been a minute since Green Bay had four RBs on its Week 1 roster – 2020, in fact – but it should be mentioned the Packers have carried four more often than not, especially if you throw in Danny Vitale, Aaron Ripkowski and John Kuhn as fullbacks.

David from Valrico, FL

Grant DuBose had an incredible catch during the first preseason game and has showed some veteran style moves in practice, as well. With six different wide receivers, where do you see him coming in and what will it take to make him the Jordan Love target of choice?

DuBose is the wideout version of Wilson. The former seventh-round pick runs nice routes and catches nearly everything thrown his way. He caught five of six targets in Cleveland and drew a defensive holding penalty to give Green Bay a fresh set of downs. That's a competitive battle for the WR5 role right now among DuBose, Bo Melton, Malik Heath and Samori Toure.

Dan from Richmond, VA

I agree with Mike that it's a heck of a battle for the No. 5 spot at WR. However, given our depth at the position, surely, we'll keep more than five on the regular roster, right? And is Toure even in the mix? I haven't heard his name mentioned in a long time.

I don't make predictions on the initial 53, but it's hard to envision a scenario where the Packers don't keep at least six receivers. An argument can be made it's the most talent-rich position on the roster. Wanna know another interesting factoid? The Packers have carried seven wideouts on their Week 1 roster four times in the last eight seasons. Adding intrigue to the battle is the fact Heath, DuBose, Toure and Melton all offer different strengths to special teams, as well.

Jonnie from Garden City, MI

Good morning, II! I was at the game on Saturday and enjoyed it a lot. It's definitely the preseason for everyone. I trust that a lot of those issues will be worked out by the start of the regular season. It's a learning experience all around. The new kickoff format seemed tolerable. It was nice to have increased potential for excitement on those plays. I hope the Cleveland center who got injured has a speedy recovery. What's your favorite part of getting back into live-action coverage?

Watching real football again and seeing young players apply what they've done in practice to an actual game. Evan Williams having six tackles and a forced fumble on just 23 defensive snaps makes me feel like the 13 practices I studied him was time well-spent…like I've learned something.

Tom from Keota, IA

Hey II. Chris Trapasso over at CBS Sports did a "redrafting the 2023 draft" article back in February, based on the season's performances. He put three Packers in the first round: Jayden Reed, of course. But also, Karl Brooks and Dontayvion Wicks. Those articles are little more than fluff, but it does show the benefits of a good Day 3 of your draft. It tends to ease the pressure maybe a little on Day 1 picks to perform immediately, no? A player has time to grow if they don't have the whole draft resting on them.

Any NFL GM and front office worth their salt should hit on their first-round picks more often than not. But it's what you do in the later rounds that determines just how high the ceiling runs for your football team. Brian Gutekunst and Co. have built Green Bay into a contender due in part to their success on Day 3.

Kevin from New Milford, CT

Well, it didn't take long for the new kickoff rule to create confusion. Watching the replay of the kick in the Chiefs-Jaguars, it appears the kick clearly landed in the end zone before bouncing into the field of play. Since the landing zone is between the goal line and the 20, shouldn't that have been a touchback?

There was some confusion because the ball landed in the end zone, which would've been an automatic touchback to the 25 last year. That's no longer the case. It's my understanding the ball must be downed in the end zone to go to the 30 this year (e.g. how Wilson handled his two touchbacks Saturday). Because the ball bounced back into the field of play, it's a live ball and must be returned. Since Mecole Hardman knelt down in the end zone while possessing the ball, that's a safety.

Andrew from Clearwater, FL

The new kickoff just looks weird, do you see any possible tweaks to it yet?

I wonder if teams will just start booting it into the end zone, trading the touchback to the 30 for a few extra yards to cover a return. With kicks landing inside the 20, it doesn't take long for that returner to get that ball to the 30. Zayne Anderson told me after the game he was surprised at how quickly the play developed.

Jeff from Littlefork, MN

I hope this question is irrelevant for the Packers' run defense this year. If you are counting on your DBs to make an open-field tackle on a run play, hasn't your run defense already failed? It seems to me the better time to stop the run is in the cloud of dust somewhere in the first three yards.

Defense gets dicey when anyone has to make an open-field tackle, let alone a defensive back. That's why the coaches always talk about getting "hats" to the ball. But yes, in general, DBs are the safety net you typically hope don't need to get too heavily involved in the run game.

Peter from Benton City, WA

It seems rookies and first-year players have trouble with soft-tissue injuries. With Lloyd, is that a function of learning how to take care of their bodies and not really being ready for an NFL camp?

No, Lloyd was ready. I literally watched him run around the Titletown football field prior to camp. But football is a tough sport and unfortunately, Lloyd injured his hip early on, missed a week and now has had a setback with the hamstring. Reports say it's nothing too serious. But I wouldn't put any of this on a lack of preparation on Lloyd's part.

Matt from Fitchburg, WI

Were you surprised Lukas Van Ness was out there for three quarters? Any thoughts on why they kept him in so long? I didn't think he would have played that much time, but what do I know.

I mean, Van Ness didn't play a ton. It was only 23 snaps, but it was 23 effective snaps. Plus, the Packers needed edge rushers with Keshawn Banks and Deslin Alexandre out, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary playing just one series and Kingsley Enagbare seeing his first in-game action since the ACL scare.

Rob from Ravenna, OH

Hey guys, I was at the Cleveland game with my 12-year-old son. After the game, we happened to meet Julian Hicks and his mother and nanna. It was truly special for my son to meet a player and get his autograph, especially since we live in Browns country. Can you please tell us about the camp he's having? Thanks again.

Hicks is competing at a loaded position but made one of the best catches I've seen all camp when he adjusted to that deep ball from Michael Pratt for a 23-yard completion at the start of the fourth quarter. He also gained another 14 yards on a reverse. It was a good start for the former Albany receiver. He's gotta keep it going.

David from Goldsboro, NC

In the third quarter the Browns ran a screen pass that resulted in a fumble. I've heard commentators mention it's one of the plays to try and slow down an aggressive D. Watching that play unfold brought back memories of years past watching the Pack D giving up chunks on screen plays. Is that one of the plays that just works better against a 4-3? What is the best formation to be in to defend against it?

That's football 101 regardless of how the defense is aligned. If a front is blitzing or pressuring hard, the natural counter is to run a screen to get tacklers behind the football. Evan Williams made an unreal play on the ball, though, and Green Bay seized the momentum back.

Dwight from Brooklyn, NY

Evan Williams straight up, on the rocks, or with a splash?

Straight, no chaser.

Steve from Halifax, Canada

Should we be worried about Jaire Alexander missing the game last Saturday for personal reasons? Hope this is not more antics on his part but a valid interpersonal reason.

Alexander was excused to attend to a personal matter. Regardless of what happened last season, I'd hope you'd think more of the Packers than to assume deception as to why Alexander didn't make the trip.

Kevin from Savage, MN

I do not often listen to local (Minnesota for me) radio, especially for the purple. But I was in the car on Saturday and a player interview was on. The player interviewed spent most of his air time talking about Aaron Jones and what a great person and player he was. Nothing surprising for those that follow the Pack, but another reminder how he will be missed. Even as he's with MN now I can't even say "disliked." I know you can't keep everyone, but some folks are missed more than others...

It's like the kid down the block who moves across the city. You're sad he's gone but can't wait to see him again…even if it comes when he's playing your school.

Daniel from Bloomington, IL

Hey fellas! I've been watching "Hard Knocks" with our rivals being featured, similarly to the Netflix doc, "Receiver." I'm always hoping one day to see the Packers participate or see the organization behind the scenes! I know many NFL teams are against it, but I was curious to know why? As a fan, it would seem to provide more of a connection to the team and players...thoughts? Thanks for everything y'all do!

Because the NFL is about winning, and those shows don't do anything to help that. To the best of my knowledge, there has not been a coach or player whose job was saved because they came off as likeable on "Hard Knocks," "Quarterback" or "Receiver." Former Packers tight end Devon Cajuste was INCREDIBLE on "Hard Knocks" with the Browns in 2018. He didn't make the team and never played in the NFL again. O-line coach Bob Wylie went viral that same year after his gregarious appearances. His contract wasn't renewed at the end of the season, his last in the NFL. Football is entertainment but the game is what matters most to the men whose paychecks depend on the sport.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, understanding the week includes travel and a joint practice in Denver before the Sunday night game, is this a "light" week compared to previous training camps?

That's an interesting question considering the Packers have used a "moderate, heavy and light" excursion schedule during their three consecutive practices. I'd assume the team will go lighter on Tuesday and build throughout the week to that practice against Denver?

Jason from Boyle, MS

What can out-of-state fans do to be more involved in the news of what's going on with Packers?

Keep reading our website?

Rick from Trempealeau, WI

Do you guys attend all "open" practices? And if so, where might an Inboxer catch up with you to say hello?

We're just fish in a pond, Rick. We're swimming around out there but don't keep a set schedule other than physically being at practice. I've tried for years to convince Spoff to do an autograph table, but he won't do it.