Inbox: There's always an unsung hero in the final preseason game

Brian from Sugar Land, TX

The beatdown in Denver is in the rearview mirror. And here come the Ravens, who are historically a nasty, physical team, with a practice and game ahead. This should be interesting, especially as a last tune-up for the regular season played at home. How far might it go to set the tone for the early season?

Everything is relative in August, but I do think it's important to hold serve on your home turf like Denver did last week. It's your field, your facility and your football. It's also the last chance for Jordan Love and the offense to dial into the details before the successes and failures are reflected in wins and losses. I look for the Packers to set the tone today.

Mark from West Des Moines, IA

What position battle is closest as the Packers' training camp is winding down?

The competitions at kicker and linebacker have the biggest implications as far as gameday in Week 1, but offensive line and receiver are as close as it gets in terms of who fills out the 53-man roster.

Kale from Charleston, SC

What are your thoughts about going into the last preseason game on Saturday? Anything to look for on the offense?

I want to see who's the next Chris Banjo, James Crawford or Justin McCray. There's always an unsung hero in the final preseason game who does something incredible to earn a place on the 53-man roster. Who's gonna be next?

Brian from Charlottesville, VA

Do you think the Packers might keep eight WR on the 53? What are the chances that No. 8 could be Elgton Jenkins?

Jenkins' God-tier ball skills give the Packers a lot of flexibility there. In all seriousness, anything is possible at receiver. Eight may be a little heavy, but it's not unprecedented. They took eight into the regular-season opener as recently as 2018. Seven might be bit more realistic, as the Packers have had seven-plus wideouts on their Week 1 roster three times in the last eight years.

George from North Mankato, MN

Aside from coming away without any significant injuries, what qualifies as a successful final preseason game in your eyes?

It doesn't have to be perfect, but production, points and promise would indicate the Packers are where they need to be.

Bill from Sheboygan, WI

Did I miss something? When did James Campen return to the Packers and in what role?

Campy is back with the Packers as a scouting consultant under General Manager Brian Gutekunst. I'd be lying if I told you I didn't tear up a little when I found out he was coming back. James Campen is everything that's great about the Green Bay Packers. In addition to being an outstanding football mind, Campy is one of the best human beings you'll ever meet. The man unknowingly bought me a Rustique pizza on one of the worst days of my life. He knows people and football. Both traits are welcomed here.

William from Newburgh, IN

"No draft pick in the later rounds is the complete package." Had a big laugh. Take a look at Tom Brady's picture when he was a rookie. He looked like he should be delivering my paper. Never can really gauge a man's heart, can we?

That's the one variable you can't measure. NFL scouts do their best to get to know players and understand what makes them tick, but you don't fully know until the player steps into the arena and performs. In that regard, nobody did it better than TB12.

Marin from West Lawn, PA

With the final preseason game fast approaching and the cut-downs looming shortly afterwards, are coaches putting the bubble players in specific down-and-distance situations to decide if they'll make the roster?

They put these guys in every situation. Practice ended Tuesday with a competitive two-point-conversion period. Throughout training camp, the Packers prepare for every game situation imaginable to build that catalogue of plays.

Ron from Wichita, KS

I dislike the elimination of plays that can make a difference, the kick return. I think I have the solution for the free kick situation. Make the kick from the goal line! This moves everything up 20 yards and allows the possibility of a return for a score. Thanks for bringing us the news.

I'm in "watch-and-see" mode as it relates to the kickoff. The NFL wanted to rebuild the wheel this offseason. No problem but I ain't ready to judge the craftsmanship quite yet. The play will be whatever it's going to be.

David from Claremore, OK

I enjoy reading the Inbox regularly. As a longtime high school coach, Mike's answer to William from Newburgh about subs being surrounded by starters when they go in the game is the smartest coaching point I have ever read in this column. People fail to realize how much better one guy will perform when surrounded by 10 better players. Keep up the good work.

Belief is the strongest emotion of all because it requires an individual to put their faith in someone or something despite a lack of available information. Yes, sometimes it is the entire team cheering on a player. It also can be as simple as Aaron Jones running to Dontayvion Wicks and literally picking the rookie's head up after his fumble last year. Belief is the best gift you can give another person.

Nathan from New York, NY

Any chance Alex Hale becomes the Packers kicker?

For now, the Australian-born Hale is the Packers' NFL International Player Pathway Program designee. Green Bay transferred the exemption from Kenneth Odumegwu to Hale after practice on Wednesday. Hale no longer counts towards the 90-man roster. Should he be released next week and clear waivers, Hale is eligible to join Green Bay's practice squad under the IPPP exemption.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

I'm not going to pretend that I'm an NFL talent evaluator because I'm not. But I'm pretty puzzled by the release of Kenneth Odumegwu and replacing him with Alex Hale. By all accounts, Odumegwu has made massive strides and has high-end athletic traits. Seems like they want to use the NFL International Path designation as a way to keep an emergency kicker around without using a real roster spot. Hope nothing but the best for Kenneth, he seemed like an awesome guy and big hit in the locker room.

Seeing people like Kenneth go is the hardest part of this gig. I very much enjoyed getting to know him and his story over the past year. I smile thinking about Kenneth walking up to me in the locker room, shaking my hand and quietly saying, "Your kicks…were so bad" after he watched the Instagram video of me feebly trying to make a field goal at Titletown last November. Kenneth can hold his head high knowing he gave this opportunity everything he had. I'm glad he had that moment with his father at Lambeau Field on Family Night. They both have a lot to be proud of. Wishing Kenneth well. Hopefully, this isn't the end of his football journey.

Tom from Woodbury, MN

I am assuming the waiver wire claim order is based on last year's final standings like the draft. When does it switch to the current year standings?

After the third week of the regular season.

Grant from Janesville, WI

You cover the Packers, so I know your eyes are only for the Packers. But has there been a moment in a game where you've watched an opposing player do something that caused a "wow" reaction from you?

Adrian Peterson rushing for 199 yards in the 2012 regular-season finale. He wrote the final chapter of his MVP season that night at the Metrodome. Also, there's a decent chance that's the last non-QB MVP season we ever see.

Keith from Lincoln, IL

How do you feel about a preseason game at noon on Saturday? Would you like to see a few of those after, say, Thanksgiving?

I love noon games. Very good thing, noon games. Love. I'm using the word "love" here, about noon games. Love.

Phillip from Corona, CA

The junior reporter video was great, really cool. Please say thanks to the people who made that happen. Wish you guys the best. Take care.

It was great hanging out with Migizi at practice last week. My interview with him unfortunately didn't make the final cut, but his interview with Jordan was fantastic. Wonderfully wholesome stuff.

Kurt from Waterloo, IA

Looking ahead is what makes being a fan fun. I think we are set for 2024, but success breeds attrition. That being said, I think this is the last year of Quay Walker, Josh Myers and Josh Jacobs in Green Bay. They may all play well but developing players and the cap force this. Thoughts?

Kurt, God love you, but Jacobs hasn't even played a game in Green Bay, and you already have him packing his bags? Come on, bro. Walker also is under contract for two seasons and possibly a third if the Packers exercise his fifth-year option.

Josh from Waukesha, WI

The only preseason stat that matters is the 2008 Detroit and 2017 Cleveland teams went 4-0.

It's about the lessons – not the losses – in the preseason.

Mitch from Eagle River, WI

Please add my name to the waiting list of a Mike or Wes authored book. Do either of you have any ideas of book(s) you'd potentially consider writing?

I'd love to write a book on Cecil Isbell, but I barely can find the time to write longform stories these days. Maybe in my golden years – the former, not the latter.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Did you see Matt LaFleur get after Wilde for being late to his press conference? Man, until he smiled and said he was just kidding, I would have been shaking in my boots if that were me!

LaFleur deserves a Golden Globe for best performance by an NFL head coach in a musical or press conference.

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, there is video showing Coach LaFleur calling out Jason Wilde at a presser for arriving late. Fans don't see his tough side very often. Do you see this at practices? Don't mess with Coach!

That was a first for me, which is why I was quiet as a church mouse shivering under the floorboards.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

If you could pick one stadium in the entire world to get to attend a Packers game, where would it be? I'm personally torn between the Roman Colosseum and the small stadium where I played my high school football.

I'd take one more game at Old City Stadium. I like this as a possible Outsider Inbox prompt next year.

Neil from Tunbridge Wells, UK

The players have strict training regimens to adhere to during preseason. Do you guys have the same?

Yes…until last weekend. I had a few slipups in Denver.

Jeff from Albuquerque, NM

Kitan Oladapo: Focus on "alignment and assignment." Could be a T-shirt there. Also, love that the Rock Report is back. We must be close to Brazil!

Good story on Oladapo from Spoff, if you haven't read it already. But yes, all these stories and videos signal we're another day closer to Sao Paulo. But first, the Packers have some Ravens to deal with. It's also the last open practice of 2024, by the way. Hope to see some of ya there. Quoth the Biff, nevermore.