Inbox: We've reached the final checkpoint

Dave from Waterford, WI

Will any of the Packers' starters be playing against Baltimore this week?

We should know in a few hours. It's only preseason but any gameday at Lambeau Field is a good day.

Jeff from Madison, WI

In response to the question about the Packers possibly keeping six linebackers on the 53, I would think it's possible. While they haven't kept six or more in the last dozen or so years, the Packers have run a 3-4 base (with two inside LBs) since 2009. Now that they're deploying a 4-3 base, they could field three off-ball LBs at a time. Granted, it will primarily be a 4-2-5, so if we split the difference, I'd predict keeping five if they want to go roughly two-deep…but I wouldn't be shocked if they kept six.

The Packers kept five off-ball linebackers on their 53-man roster five times during their 15 years in the 3-4. They went with four LBs eight times and three on two occasions. It's conceivable Green Bay could go heavy there after the switch to the 4-3, but such a move may still have more to do with special teams than defense. What's more, I wonder what Isaiah McDuffie's special-teams availability could look like if he gets the call alongside Quay Walker in Week 1. If McDuffie plays strictly defense, that's where it might be handy to keep a stalwart like Kristian Welch on the roster. Again, these are the decisions the Packers must weigh.

Scott from Palos Park, IL

Gary from Sheboygan asked about "hiding" a developmental player. Malik Heath, Grant DuBose and Samori Toure all have talent and at least one will have to be cut, if not two. You need to play them all to make your final decision on cutdown day, so why not try and make the decision easier by seeing who rises up and who can capture the organization a late-round draft pick via trade? Isn't it possible that an organization would actually highlight these players rather than hide them?

That pizza can be sliced every direction. The Packers have tough calls to make Tuesday but not every move must be a cut. Sure, teams can hold guys back in games with the hope of sneaking them on the practice squad, but they also can showcase players in hope of a possible trade (e.g. Green Bay dealing Cole Van Lanen to Jacksonville in 2022). But I agree there are more NFL-caliber receivers on this roster than Green Bay will be able to take along to Brazil.

Will from Cheddar, UK

So, remembering Vic's words, do you believe our defense will be able to rush four and drop seven on a regular basis this season? Thanks for all your hard work before the "baloney" finishes!

The defensive front did plenty of that against Baltimore on Thursday, with T.J. Slaton, Devonte Wyatt and Kenny Clark all pushing the pocket in practice. While edge rushers are often the face of NFL pass rushes, interior defensive linemen causing disruption is the secret sauce. The Packers have that type of potential. Blitzes will be a key ingredient to Hafley's system, but winning with four is always preferred at this level.

Steve from Hurricane, UT

When Mike was talking about the D front in practice with the Ravens (No. 4 in 5 Things) he said, "Rashan Gary, Preston Smithƒ, T.J. Slaton and Devonte Wyatt all had their moments, which the defenders in the back end appreciated against a QB like Jackson." Why was there no mention of Kenny Clark? I haven't heard of any injury. Is he OK?

You can't mention everyone, Steve. Clark was solid in the practice, too. He was right there with Devonte Wyatt when the defensive front recorded a "sack" on the first play of the No. 1 two-minute drill.

Bob from Colby, KS

So, Jackson got a Heisman in his sophomore year and Alexander was second-team All-ACC, yet Alexander was drafted No. 18 and Jackson No. 32. What happened? Considering the value of QBs I would think Jackson would have been in the top 10 at the very least.

That's the question everyone asks when a star quarterback slides. I was sold on Jackson from the beginning. Bear in mind, I also thought Jake Locker was the second coming in 2011. Swings and misses. In Jackson, I saw a more accurate Michael Vick when I watched him at Louisville. Yet, he was the fifth QB taken in a talent-rich 2018 draft. Conversely, Alexander was considered the second or third CB that year (Denzel Ward went fourth overall). That's how the draft game is played, but what really matters is both Alexander and Jackson realized their potential…and silenced some doubters in the process.

Robert from Canton, SD

Hi Mike and Wes. Love II. Can't believe I've been a cheesehead for 35 years and didn't discover it until six months ago! Was intrigued by Keisean Nixon's comment on Lamar Jackson, "a running back who can throw the ball." Which got me to thinking: some QBs are running backs who can throw the ball and then some are QBs who can run the ball (e.g. Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes). If you were an NFL GM or head coach, which of those two would you rather have as your QB1? Thanks much for II. Packers fans are SPOILED!

I concur with Nixon. I gained an even greater appreciation for Jackson's speed and athleticism watching from the sideline. For me, it's not whether a quarterback can run or not (see: Tom Brady) but rather how he weaves his natural gifts into his playstyle. Rodgers wasn't the fastest QB who ever lived, but he could get a first down with his feet when all else failed. Jackson isn't a 60-minute nightmare just because he's fast – it's because he can beat you virtually everywhere. More variables = more problems for a defense.

Gary from Sheboygan, WI

Insiders, TK from Grafton brought up the question of nauseating questions or issues. My "favorites" are the trade proposals (e.g. our third-string OT for a second-round draft pick or for an All-Pro RB, etc.).

Ah yes, the old "trade a second-round pick for any active player in the NFL" trick.

Bill from Clive, IA

If everything holds, Nixon and Jayden Reed should be the primary returners on special teams, but who else are you seeing getting snaps at either KR or PR? And how is the mix looking between Nixon and Reed?

Samori Toure, Emanuel Wilson, Bo Melton and Dimitri Stanley are getting opportunities, as well. That's building depth, though. Nixon and Reed are still the guys.

Derek from Lexington, KY

Maybe it's just this past draft class with so many being chosen, but does it feel to you like there are more quality QBs in the league than there have been in a long while?

It does and a productive 2020 draft class that produced Jordan Love is part of that. The early returns on the 2024 rookie class appear promising, too.

Samuel from Skokie, IL

In "Three Things," Larry talked about how well the pass protection held up vs. a very good Ravens defense. What wasn't said was what line was it? Did Jordan Morgan and Zach Tom make it to 11-on-11s vs. Baltimore? If not, what backups played so well?

As Spoff wrote in “Five Takeaways,” Morgan hasn't returned to 11-on-11. So, Sean Rhyan again held down the fort at right guard. But the reserve offensive line of Kadeem Telfort, Royce Newman, Jacob Monk, Lecitus Smith and Caleb Jones did well, too. They need to carry it over this afternoon, but it's another example of how the Packers have bounced back from Denver.

Scott from Watertown, WI

Conditions, including altitude and temperature, may have contributed to Packers showing in Denver. Thoughts?

It may have. Either way, it's good preparation for Sao Paulo, which is at 2,690 feet of elevation. It's hard for a team to travel 90 players cross-country and practice against another squad on its home turf.

David from Zephyrhills, FL

I don't think right tackle gets the recognition it deserves. Granted the left tackle has the QB blindside but the right side is just as physically demanding and often engages the best pass rusher. He also has the job of protecting QBs who typically roll out to the right, which seems to be happening more and more. Therefore, I am all for keeping Tom at right tackle. Thanks for all you guys do and GPG.

It's never been more critical to have a quality right tackle with so many teams lining up their premier edge rusher opposite of that individual, including the Packers. Tom is the type of athlete who would thrive at any position on the offensive line, but it speaks volumes how he's made right tackle his own the past two years.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Jordan Morgan, AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd injuries concern me because those are the two position groups that appear to have depth issues. With Dillon's recurring, are you concerned or is there enough time before the start of the season?

I don't wish to speculate on Dillon's situation. He and the Packers already have provided quite a bit of information, as they await Dillon's test results. Certainly, Green Bay is in a bit of a pickle with Dillon and Lloyd unavailable. Depending on what happens over the next 11 days, Emanuel Wilson's presence could be crucial for the Packers. The door is also open for Ellis Merriweather and Nate McCrary to seize the moment today.

Richard from Madison, WI

I see constant references to player agents. Does every wannabe pro have one? Or are there any (I'm thinking UDFAs) who just represent themselves? Or maybe have their moms do it?

Covering this league for as long as I have, I feel like undrafted rookies probably need agents more than those who get picked. It helps to have someone who can secure tryouts and go to bat for you.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, the final preseason game occurs two weeks before the first regular-season game. That almost creates a bye week leading into the season. Would you see the league sliding the start of camp one week later with a single week between the final preseason game and the start of the regular season? Starters are well-rested regardless, right? Or are there great advantages to a two-week run up? Was this included as part of the CBA?

I prefer this current setup. It allows everyone, senior writers included, to catch their breath after the marathon that is training camp.

Rick from Fawnskin, CA

Good day II: Just curious on your take on having one huge final roster cutdown. From a player practice rep perspective, isn't it better overall for the team to have less players in camp and allow players who actually have a shot making the team prover their worth? It seems having 90 players in camp at the same time makes it challenging to assess them on a day-to-day basis. The cutdown process worked in the past, so if it's not broke why fix it?

Well, they've been tinkering with the mandatory roster reduction for years – going back and forth between multiple cuts and just one. I favor having one cutdown. Even if a team plays its starters during the preseason finale, they won't be out there for long. It's better to have too many players available than too few.

Jason from Friesland, WI

I'm up in Canada on a business trip so I took in a CFL game the other night. The game was tied at the end, one team attempted a field goal. The kick was missed but since the kick went into the end zone (actually through it) and it wasn't returned the team was awarded a "rouge" which is one point, so they won the game. Metric system or not that seems messed up!

I would've been so confused.

Tom from Ludington, MI

I was traveling from the UP recently and decided to pull over and visit Titletown. I had no idea what to expect but it was well worth the visit. Awesome! Titletown is a great addition to the entire community. What was that area used for previously? Thanks for the insightful updates. GPG

It's where I used to buy my Starting Lineups.

Pat from Hudson, WI

I've been reading since Vic and wonder why some writers submitting to II feel the need to state that they've been reading since Vic!

The same reason I still talk about my trip to spring training in Arizona 15 years ago. The memories make us rich.

Randy from Highland, IL

Hello II, I have noticed Matt LaFleur riding a bike to practice but don't remember seeing pics of other head coaches doing so. Is this unique to ML?

That's probably a better question for Cliff, but LaFleur has ridden bikes since he was hired in 2019. He's good like that.

Roger from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Good morning, Wes. Does the bologna end after the game tonight?

You can toss the lunchmeat in the dumpsters on your way out of Lambeau this evening. We've reached the final checkpoint on our way to the 2024 NFL season, the last leg of this offseason race. Bring your best to earn the rest. Enjoy the game, everyone.