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Inbox: That's always the biggest challenge

There is potential in this offense for creativity and deception

DL Kenny Clark
DL Kenny Clark

Mike from Baraboo, WI

Who are some under-the-radar players on offense and defense that we should be keep our eyes on?

I encourage you to check out Spoff’s story on Ty'Ron Hopper from Wednesday. With Edgerrin Cooper out right now, Hopper took his first snaps with the No. 1 defense this week and stands to play quite a bit in Cleveland. Hopper seems like a good fit for Jeff Hafley's scheme in terms of a linebacker who can quickly get downhill. Offensively, Grant DuBose is keeping his name in the conversation at receiver. If you think about it, the only thing that's held DuBose back is the back injury last summer. All DuBose has done since returning is impress – both at the end of training camp last year and the beginning of this year's.

Glen from Leesburg, VA

With Jordan Morgan dropping out of practice, it looks like the depth of the offensive line is already being tested before the season starts. Any word on the type and severity of the injury?

It isn't expected to be something that challenges his availability for the regular season at all. Matt LaFleur said Morgan likely will miss a week due to a shoulder injury. Sean Rhyan has taken nearly all the reps at right guard in Morgan's absence.

Chas from Modena, WI

Which position group are you most interested in watching their performance in the upcoming preseason game with the Browns?

I could answer this question 10 different ways but it's probably the safeties. That competition is so tight right now among Javon Bullard, Evan Williams and Anthony Johnson Jr. Based on what I've seen, I'd sleep soundly with any of those three starting alongside Xavier McKinney. All three have made plays in camp but I'm curious to see who separate themselves during the exhibition slate.

Al from Green Bay, WI

There's a benefit to joint practices against other teams. I get it. Still, it feels like the contact is a bit more aggressive, and the injury risk increases. Have I assessed this correctly, or do you see it differently?

That's always the biggest challenge and also why McKinney talked Wednesday about his reticence regarding joint practices based on his experiences in New York. At the end of the day, it comes down to both sides understanding the task at hand and the need to protect one another. I don't worry too much about injuries as much as just senseless scuffles. Hopefully, conducting just one joint practice will help the Packers and Broncos stay cool and achieve their goals.

Zak from Huntington Beach, CA

Do you think play-action calls will be more effective with a more powerful between-the-tackles runner? Aaron Jones was certainly no slouch, but he's not as much of a "power" back as Josh Jacobs can be. Having Jayden Reed or Christian Watson running a jet-sweep motion at the same time would really be a "pick your poison" for opposing defenses, when choosing which player to prioritize.

Jacobs definitely brings a new dimension to the offense, but I think Jones fit well into LaFleur's offense because of how smooth he was as a runner. Frankly, it was hard for defenses to find Jones on inside runs and get him to the ground. But I agree, there is potential in this offense for creativity and deception whether it's off read-option looks, reversals or end-arounds. Oh, and Dontayvion Wicks can throw, too.

Dan from Beloit, WI

What draft pick did GB get from the Jets last year and who did we use it on?

I've broken this down before and would rather not do it again, but here's everyone the Packers added through the Aaron Rodgers trade (keep in mind they used some of those Jets picks to acquire other picks): Lukas Van Ness, Luke Musgrave, Anders Carlson, Edgerrin Cooper, Jacob Monk and Evan Williams. Whatever way you slice it, Green Bay came out with a pretty nice haul.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, Jordan Love has thrown a number of picks to the new defense. How is that affecting his confidence level?

It's not. First, this looks like a pretty talented defense Love and the No. 1 offense is running against. Secondly, Love is a fifth-year veteran who understands the importance of practice and learning from those mistakes. He's fine.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. Roje Stona just won the gold medal in Paris for men's discus with a new Olympic record. He was also invited to the Packers' rookie minicamp this spring as an edge defender but without any real football experience. At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, he looks like he should be the first player off the bus. Isn't Gutey actively bringing in defensive linemen for tryouts?

The Packers will often bring back former tryout players from rookie minicamp when in need of players. That's how Lucas Patrick got his foot in the door with Green Bay. I'm not sure what Stona's NFL future looks like but congratulations to him on becoming the first Jamaican athlete to win Olympic gold. That is one heck of an accomplishment.

The Green Bay Packers held practice at Ray Nitschke Field on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.

Dylan from Columbus, OH

Good morning, gentlemen. I saw the report that Rashan Gary nailed Kadeem Telfortwith a hump move this week. This isn't the first time he's showcased it in practice, but has Rashan added this to his arsenal for live games? As a (relatively) younger fan, it sure would be a treat to see that specific type of artistry from our edge rushers at least once in my life.

The hump move is definitely in Gary's toolbox. Off the top of my head, I can't recall if Gary used it on any of his sacks last season, but he's used it several times over and seems to be a natural at it.

Tom from Two Rivers, WI

It seems like Rasheed Walker has won the starting left tackle position in record time against a No. 1 pick who stated he wanted the left tackle spot. Is Rasheed Walker so good with so much dog in him that he buries the highly drafted competition in like a week?

"Buries" is getting a bit dramatic there, Tom. This isn't that big of a surprise. The Packers have spoken daily about their desire to have the best starting five and Walker is clearly one-fifth of that formula. He's had a good camp and only gotten better. Draft picks garner headlines – so much so that fans often forget they're still rookies. You can never discount the value of experience in those position battles (e.g. the inside linebacker competition).

Donald from Big Flats, WI

Hi Mike, my question today is when the roster is reduced, do first-year players have the opportunity to change numbers if one they like better is available? Do they have to keep whatever they get at signing?

Undrafted rookies and guys on the bubble often have a chance to swap numbers before the start of the regular season.

Jeffery from Brooklyn, WI

I can't remember the last time a GM hit on so many great players year after year, but Brian Gutekunst has done it the last few drafts. Is it because players are becoming better in college or is he really that good at picking talent?

I don't think anything has changed over the past three years in that regard other than maybe Gutekunst and his total lieutenants finding their rhythm. Drafting players will always be an inexact science. You're not gonna hit on every pick, but Green Bay is on a solid run right now of identifying and developing top-tier talent…and it has the Packers' arrow pointing due north.

Brian from Madison, WI

This Packer team seems to have a lot of driven "football guys" – players who just live and breathe football. I realize every player is living and breathing football at this point in their lives, but it just seems like a dominant personality trait on this team. Thoughts?

Luke Benuska talked about this a bit during his “Unsung” interview with Larry. There is an athletic baseline the Packers desire in prospects, but they put a heavy emphasis on character of players and their love of the game. Football is too fast, too physical and too taxing for players to have only one foot in the door. You need both feet and your whole heart to thrive.

James from Appleton, WI

I know players are grown-up adult men, but when one gets cut, is there an exit interview, where a coach takes a moment to say you are good at this but need to work on this? If almost 40 players get cut at one time, are such courtesies even possible?

As you may have seen on "Hard Knocks," the coaches or personnel department often provide some feedback on what released players can work on in hopes of securing their next opportunity.

Patrick from Elkhorn, NE

Will the Packers pick up a wide receiver in a trade before the beginning of the season?

Please tell me that's not a serious question.

Tim from Clear Lake, IA

Seems like we've heard a lot about most of our receivers, but I don't recall hearing much about Bo Melton. How does he appear to be doing? Also, how about our Northern Iowa rep, safety Benny Sapp III?

Melton is doing just fine. All the receivers are healthy at the moment, which has reduced some of Melton's reps, but he's made several big plays this offseason. He's also repping with some of the first-team special teams units, which is a good indication of how the Packers view him. Sapp is in the chase at safety, too. He came close to an interception during the final team period of Family Night.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Until Spoff brought it up, I had forgotten all about the hip-drop tackle rule. Funny, since it was a huge topic in the offseason on all the sports desks I tune into, but now that we are in preseason I haven't heard it come back up. Too many trade, holdout, contract and camp fight topics to cover, I guess. With the benefit of Clete Blakeman and team having been in camp, is there any more clarity you can share about the nuances of how it will be policed?

There are three criteria officials will use to call the penalty – grabbing and wrapping the ball-carrier, rotating/swiveling your hips and unweighting yourself to bring the opponent to the ground. If one of those three criteria is not visibly seen, the NFL has instructed its officials to not call a penalty and instead leave it up to the league office to review on Monday for a potential fine. For that reason, I think you'll see this play officiated more in pocketbooks than actual gameplay.

Nate from Blue Springs, MO

If a player elects to use the Guardian Cap during a game, will it get "painted" with the team color and logo?

In April, ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reported the "current plan" is to have team logos on them when worn in games. I haven't seen an update since then.

Sam from La Mesa, CA

Hi fellas! Do you think there will be a significantly higher number of big run plays to the outside this year since the DBs will not be allowed to cut the pulling linemen? I see them ducking for cover or sent flying like bowling pins. Holding the edge is going to be really important, I think.

Maybe in terms of average yardage, but there's still so much speed at the second and third level of the defense. I think you're still gonna see plenty of quicker linebackers and safeties who can mitigate some of the damage.

Dwight from Brooklyn, NY

From all the questions I've read in II, and I'm assuming fans of other teams have voiced similar ones, given how drastically the kicking game now is, those first few games of the season are going to have some major headache/head-scratching moments. I'd sure hate to be a referee judging those plays.

I don't think the kickoff will be that hard to officiate. It's more figuring out what the unforeseen impact will be of instituting such a drastic change to the play.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. It was a joy hearing Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren on the Family Night broadcast. Wayne conducts such intelligent interviews (HC and GM) and is always prepared with stats and bios of the newest players. Have you ever sat in the booth with "the voice of the Packers" while he's calling a game?

I have not. One of the unfortunate aspects of this job is I no longer get to listen to Wayne and Larry unless it's postgame highlights. When they're broadcasting, I have my hands full taking notes on the game, tweeting and writing our quarter-by-quarter updates.

Jason from Hartselle, AL

Mike/Wes: How well do you fellers know people in the communications departments for other NFL teams, and how much leeway do the communications directors have in determining what kind of content goes on the website? I've noticed that the websites for all NFL teams pretty much look the same (which I assume the league dictates); however, the types of content seem to vary quite a bit. For example, I don't see anything like the II on the Vikings, Bears or Lions websites.

Offering a daily Q&A is not for the faint of heart. It takes time and effort…and at least two writers if both are also tasked with covering the day-to-day happenings with the team. I know team writers that do a mailbag every two weeks and it wears on them.

TK from Grafton, WI

I loved being a teacher, but the growing list of various meetings to attend was…not my favorite aspect. Is there any part of your job with the Packers that you must "endure" rather than "enjoy"?

Of course, but most of the time I love coming to work and doing what I do. No job is perfect and there are days you have to weather, but I know the next good one is just a sleep or two away…like this first preseason game.

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