Geoffrey from Rosemount, MN

Sounds like a wild weather day over there. You guys OK?

Yes. But these daily tornado watches and warnings can end any day now.

Angele from Madison, WI

Spoff: "I'd see myself out, but I have a whole column to write." Another laugh-out-loud moment. All the submissions about the net confirm my suspicion that to be a true Insider Inbox aficionado, an appreciation for verbal wit and humor are required. And it starts at the top with "Biff and Spoff."

If we don't give frequent fliers nuggets to bond over, then what's even the point? Also, between now and the day I pen my last Inbox, I will answer one single question and then see myself out. I promise you that. It's gonna happen.

Rick from Evergreen, CO

Good morning II. I hope Reggie Begelton makes the team, if only to hear him speak about life in and away from football. What an inspiration. Thanks for all the hard work you do, it makes my day.

I could have listened to Begelton for an hour. That felt less like a news conference and more like a motivational seminar. I appreciate how Begelton is able to balance savoring every moment while also understanding there's still so much more work to be done. I know some people like to rag on the preseason but August is made for guys like him. Begelton deserves every opportunity to show what he can do. Regardless, his outlook is one we all should strive for in our individual lives. I hope Begelton enjoys a long and fulfilling playing career, but he's a guy who clearly is going to excel in whatever he chooses to do in his post-football career. I'd be the first to sign up to hear him speak.

Russ from Henrico, VA

I know we are supposed to enjoy the 2021 ride and not speculate about the future, but with cut downs in a matter of days/weeks there are going to be some interesting discussions among the personnel folks about wide receivers. What are the different possibilities for keeping the stable full for the present and the future?

It's all a part of the evaluation process. The primary goal is to build the best 53 for the 2021 season, while also projecting which players will help you most in 2022 and beyond. Just imagine where the Packers would be if they wouldn't have held onto Robert Tonyan in 2018.

Perry from Ishpeming, MI

Happy Thursday II! Outside of watching Jordan Love play on Saturday night, what other players or positions should we be keeping an eye on? I typically don't watch much preseason action but this season has my interest piqued for some reason. Maybe it was the lack of games last year to get a glimpse of the unproven players?

I have my eyes on the three running backs (Kylin Hill, Patrick Taylor and Dexter Williams). That's usually a "must-see" position in the preseason, but that competition for the No. 3 job is so tight right now. The back who excels the most in the preseason could very well be the one who makes the 53.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

During camp, is there usually a point where the intensity level will noticeably pick up? Before preseason games, before the cut-down dates, or does that usually stay pretty even?

Actually, it's usually when the pads go on. The new CBA rules have kind of quelled that (and for good reason), but historically that's when the intensity increases and the extracurricular activities pick up after the play. The Packers have had good energy. I will be curious to see how the team responds to a new opponent Saturday and a new practice partner next week.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

Innis Gaines made a few eye-popping plays at practice on Tuesday. He has my attention Saturday night.

*For a guy who went all of 2020 without even signing a contract, Gaines has really impressed me. He's been making plays since the opening whistle in OTAs. *

Duff from LeRoy, WI

When a player is cut that the team intends to add to the practice squad, do they tell him that when they cut him?

Yeah.

Matt from Fitchburg, WI

Loved the Three Things with Larry pulling out the tracker. You guys' reactions were priceless. You better be careful, or FOX will pick you up as the new fall sitcom! My question is: Is Amari Rodgers getting coached up on sidelines by Randall Cobb as much as you expected? Haven't heard anything, and just wondering what you've seen so far.

It's been what I expected. Rodgers has been on Cobb's hip pocket, especially during special-teams periods. Cobb has been a "team-first" guy throughout his career, but you can really tell how invested he is into making sure Rodgers is successful and this Packers team reaches its full potential.

Mike from Franksville, WI

I was checking out the recently released depth chart and see that there are two TE positions listed in the starting lineup. Are Marcedes Lewis and Josiah Deguara the H-backs, with Robert Tonyan and Jace Sternberger in the traditional TE role? Or do I have those two groups reversed?

You're getting your wires crossed, but be sure to watch Matt LaFleur’s presser from Tuesday. He explains the specific positions within the tight end group quite well.

Brian from Trego, WI

Wes, I think most agree that one preseason game won't give a good indication of Jordan Love's long-term success but if he performs terribly in all the games do you think that changes the Packer organization's long-term plan for him and also Rodgers in 2022?

I think Aaron Rodgers completed 2-of-6 passes for like seven yards in his preseason debut. I know a lot of you are pulling at the chain to rush to the nearest conclusion but I'd take anything that happens Saturday night with a grain of salt. It's a chance for Love to play, learn and grow. That's it.

Bob from Green Bay, WI

Looking at the depth chart...the players are playing for eight to 10 spots on the 53-man roster. That's assuming no injuries, of course. It will be fun watching the three preseason games to see how it all shakes out.

The stakes are uncommonly high right now compared to most years because of the cuts looming on the other side of these two preseason games. If a player makes it through the cut to 80, he has a decent shot at landing on the practice squad.

Neal from Fort Worth, TX

Good morning Wes! What is the meaning behind a player wearing a red sock on his helmet during practice?

Since both offensive and defensive players play on special teams, they use red caps to differentiate between the returning team and the coverage team.

Tony from Chanhassen, MN

Has the net reached T-shirt status?

Yes. And I hope it's in the same "NBA Jam"-style of Kevin and the bowl of chili that Rodgers wore when he reported for training camp.

Scott from Wausau, WI

I was a bit dismayed that the Packers passed on Teven Jenkins in the draft, then crushed when Chicago drafted him in Round 2. Now he has a back injury (that I wasn't aware of at draft time) that apparently the Bears were aware of. I guess we don't know what we don't know and the people making the drafts usually do know what we don't know.

This is why I couch a lot of what I say during draft season. Because, as both media and fans, we often only see one side of the coin. I wish Jenkins well, though. He seems like a great dude. I was a huge fan.

Ryan from Baldwin, WI

Hi Wes, my fiancé and I will be in Green Bay for a wedding this Friday morning. We want to go to the Packers Pro Shop, and just walk around Lambeau. Anything else interesting that we could do on a Friday around noon at Lambeau that would keep my fiancé interested?

Titletown is great. It's a nice space to walk, sightsee and has several great places to grab lunch (or gelato at 46 Below).

Dave from Germantown, TN

Spoff, why are you doing the preseason live game blogs? II readers do not need you to risk an injury like carpal tunnel. We need to see what Wes can bring in a backup role.

Because you gotta give the people what they want.

Robert from Verona, WI

Wes, I hope you took the opportunity while getting drenched watching football at field level to find someone to say, "I'd keep playing. I don't think the heavy stuff's gonna come down for quite a while."

Oh, you bet your keester I said that a couple times on the sideline.

Jeff from Eveleth, MN

Spoff/Wes, I always remember Jim Irwin pronouncing Butler's name as "La-Roy" instead of "Le-Roy." Do either of you recall that or am I just nuts (don't answer that last part)?

That's how I remember it, too. LeRoy might be the only player I know who had three accepted pronunciations of his name: Lee-Roy, La-Roy and Roy-Lee.

Shilo from Murrieta, CA

Wes, I wanted to make sure you saw this. Someone asked who LeRoy Butler would have introduce him at his HOF induction. Apparently, LeRoy hoped that the late Bobby Bowden was going to be his introducer. LeRoy's comments on Bobby are towards the end of the article.

That's a shame. Bowden will have the best seat in the house for next year's ceremony. I hope LeRoy is a part of it.

Dennis from Beavercreek, OH

So, Mike on Wednesday you told Wes to make a note on an Outsiders Inbox question. How does Wes keep from losing the note? When I make notes, I either forget to look at them until it is too late or I forget where I put them.

Easy. I post a piece of paper and sandwich it between my computer monitor and my "banned" list. I update both throughout the year. The 2021-22 list officially has begun.

Wes from Marengo, IL

Regarding team mascots, one of my favorites is a local high school from Freeport, IL, the Freeport Pretzels.

I Googled a photo of the mascot and now my life is complete.

Jessi from Sterling, KS

I mean technically it's three guys, three things, and two Mikes/mics, if we want to get technical. That's all I'm saying. Do I get to see myself out?

But only one of the Mikes/mics works. Hey-yo! Try the veal.

HAVE A QUESTION?