Hey everybody, happy Thanksgiving one day early. Hope all is well. I see some questions already coming in so I'll get started right away here.

Your chat photo looks a little...grayer than your stock photo. Hope it's not the inbox causing that.

Ha. I take a new chat photo every year. I think the stock one on the website was from a handful of years ago. Such is life.

With Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie both working through injuries this week, who is the next man up?

If Cooper and McDuffie are both out tomorrow, I would expect Ty'Ron Hopper to be the third LB in the base defense. Most likely Quay Walker and Eric Wilson would handle the bulk of the snaps in nickel.

What Dolphins-Packers matchups are you most excited to see?

I'll be curious to see if the colder weather can slow down Miami's offense any. They're built on speed, yards after the catch, etc. The Packers will have to tackle really well in this game to prevent plays from rupturing. If they do that, will the Dolphins look to take more shots over the top? Going to be interesting.

Good morning, Mike. What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition you do with your family?

There aren't any real longstanding traditions these days because we just take it year to year based on the football schedule. I look forward to a nice midafternoon meal tomorrow before heading in to work, but I will miss everyone watching the game(s) on TV with a fire in the fireplace.

Bummer for Josh Jacobs to have his career day the same week Saquon had the best games of the century.

So it goes. Jacobs is only 56 rushing yards from the fourth 1,000-yard season of his career. Barkley and Henry are way ahead in the rushing race so they're going to continue getting the attention. I think that's OK with Jacobs. He won the NFL rushing title before. He came here to win.

Does the threat of concussion make Tua less effective?

Have you seen his numbers the last 5 games since he came back? Not at all.

What do you think of the Daniel Jones signing?

It makes sense for both parties. I haven't given it much thought beyond that, though. The Vikings are riding with Darnold the rest of this season unless something unexpected occurs.

Interviews with coaches sure puts a short week in perspective of everything that has to happen

Yeah, it's pretty crazy. It was enlightening to hear both LaFleur (on Sunday) and Hafley (yesterday) talk about doing a lot of advance work on the Dolphins during the bye week, giving them a head start on what they knew would be a tight turnaround against an uncommon opponent.

GMF spent 15 minutes talking about the weather, and why it shouldn't be talked about as a factor. … I need to stick with other content sources (like this one)

I don't know if it'll be a factor or not. I've already said this week most of this Dolphins team played in the frigid, arctic conditions in KC last January for the wild-card game, so 20 degrees won't feel all that bad to them. That playoff game in KC was absolutely brutal. Tua has made it clear he's ready to change the narrative about him in cold weather. These guys are going to do everything in their power not to be bothered by the temps.

I've seen enough warm weather teams come into Lambeau over the years and win that I'm not one of those people who thinks the weather will be a huge factor. I think the Packers biggest advantage is their running game.

I agree. The Packers' ground game is one of the most productive and creative in the league right now, and it gives them the ability to control the ball and let the defense rest. Stopping the Packers on the ground for 4 quarters is no easy task.

If Romeo Doubs can't play Thursday, who do you expect to step up as a receiver?

Any and all of them. It was great to see Dontayvion Wicks make a big play over the middle and Malik Heath get a couple of catches, including a TD, late in Sunday's game. Good start for both if they're called upon for larger roles.

Can the bears give the lions a good game. With recent difficult endings can the bears respond

Despite these last two crushing defeats to the Packers and Vikings, the Bears are feeling some good vibes with what they're doing, and where they are compared to a few weeks ago. I don't know if they can hang with the Lions for 4 quarters, but I bet they believe they can, which will matter.

Why has Carrington Valentine not taken very many snaps this year? I thought he was competing with Eric Stokes for the spot opposite Jaire Alexander and now Alexander has been out and only recently has Valentine been on the field. I know he was hurt, but it wasn't a serious injury and I am wondering if he just is not the player I thought he was.

Valentine is healthy now and playing more. He and Stokes had a pretty even split of snaps vs. SF. But the bigger change is Nixon moved ahead of them both as an option at outside corner with Bullard taking over the slot. The pecking order changed.

Will the packers more zone or man against the dolphins?

Zone helps to allow more players to have vision and rally to the ball to tackle. Plus, the Packers play less man when Alexander isn't available.

Miami has a really good running game also. Will this come down to who hangs onto the ball better?

There's no doubt one turnover could swing things either way. Both these offenses have some momentum and are capable of big performances.

The weather will not be a factor. It wasn't in the playoffs vs the Giants in 2008 or the 49'ers two years ago, and those games were really cold. Win the LOS, that makes the difference.

It always starts there regardless.

Also found it interesting that Steno spends the lead up time to late games studying the next opponent since the current opponent game plan is in place.

Yeah, I caught that too. Makes sense when you have extra time on your hands (which is rare). It's something the assistant coaches who aren't play callers can do. The play caller has to stay focused on the game he's about to call or there's too much bouncing around in his head.

Biggest addition to the NFC north so far this season: Donaldson, Jacobs, Xavier McKinney, or Williams?

Plenty of viable options, but I'd say McKinney and Darnold have been the most impactful for their new teams in terms of changing the outlook at those positions. The Packers went from Jones to Jacobs, so it's not like ground game production was non-existent.

What are your thoughts on Lukas Van Ness? I feel like with Preston Smith gone, his game will only continue to elevate, yet people are constantly bashing him on twitter week in and week out.

I hope he blocks out the social media noise. He made a big-time play last week, and hopefully that's a boost of confidence for a young player who's got a lot of tools. If he keeps working at it, I believe more plays will come.

Is the Packer field considered a fast field with good tract

It's not considered slow. Footing is an issue in certain conditions if players don't wear the right cleats.

The tackling was much better against SF than the week before against the Bears. What happened against Chi? Just one of those things, or was there some sort of change last week?

I chalk it up to one of those things. The rush lost contain, the tackling wasn't good. Stuff just went wrong. I agree those things looked more shored up this past week, and they need to stay that way.

Hi Mike, the Brandon McManus signing has really lowered my anxiety level I have had the last couple years when we need to kick a field goal, even on the 50+ yarder on last Sunday. Another out of the blue signing by Gutey that has already paid big dividends. Guy passes the eye test for me! What say you?

He's a proven pro and the Packers were lucky he was available. Once his off-the-field stuff was resolved, it was a no-brainer to sign a guy with his track record and he's been the kicker the Packers need him to be.

Any Sunday games peak you interest, since you'll be bored?

Actually, I'll be working, because Sunday will be like a Wednesday football-wise with next week's game on Thursday again. But if I can, I hope to catch a little of the Cardinals vs. Vikings game.

What percentage of the holiday crowd do you think will be from Florida? Was at the SF game and was disappointed in how many red jerseys were in the stands. Maybe the weather and Turkey day will favor GB ticket holders to keep their seats?

I've stopped trying to predict anything there, but I don't think Miami's fan base is as widespread as a team like SF's. The red jerseys in the crowd last week did not surprise me. SF fans are everywhere and show up at all their games.

I know Rashan Gary has been quietly making an impact all year, but do you see him having a big game on the stat sheet tomorrow?

His game appears to be coming on right now. Tua isn't easy to catch and bring down, though.

I do worry that the biggest kryptonite to this team is a lack of a consistent pass rush from the front four. Do you think that they can win the super bowl without improvement from them?

As it currently stands, the Packers need more, but I'm a firm believer rush and coverage to hand in hand and when the Packers get Alexander back to help the coverage, that'll give Hafley more options to improve the rush.

I am anxious to see who will be the featured receiver..my bet is Tucker Kraft

He's capable of a big game at any time, as are Jayden Reed and Christian Watson.

With Tucker Kraft being such a "G" now, what does this mean for Luke Musgrave? What do you see GB doing with him when hes healthy?

Time will tell. He has to get healthy and be able to practice for a couple weeks before that's even a discussion.

Joining late: stacked multi-dimensional offsenses like the Ravens, Chiefs, Dolphins, etc always make me nervous. how does our defense approach game planning and execution?

I'm no X's and O's expert, and speed is always tough to stop. All I know is you'd better tackle well, which limits big plays. If you make the opposing offense take a long, slow slog down the field, chances are you can force a mistake at some point.

Since Jaire has not been placed on IR, is it safe to assume he'll be back soon? Anyone suggested a timeline?

Nothing's been said, but not placing him on IR suggests the Packers believe his absence would be less than 4 weeks.

Did Musgrave have surgery?

To my knowledge, yes.

Who on the o line is having a year you didn't expect?

I wouldn't say anything's been unexpected, but I've been impressed with several guys for different reasons. Zach Tom missed most of the offseason program and a large portion of training camp but stepped right in Week 1 at RT like he was never hurt. Sean Rhyan's game has taken a big jump. Rasheed Walker worked through some penalty issues early and his game has settled down. Josh Myers has had to battle his own injuries but has really become a steady presence at center, which he showed down the stretch last year. Plenty to like from all the young guys. Elgton Jenkins is Elgton. Maybe a few more flags than we're used to seeing, but nobody worries about him.

What is your favorite side dish for you Thanksgiving meal?

I get a lot of strange looks when I say this, but I've always loved green bean casserole.

What do sports reporters do leading up to night games? Nap? Cards in the bullpen?

I watch whatever the most interesting early game(s) are until it's time to go to work. I'm always working well into the wee hours so I don't like to start my day any earlier than I have to.

Hi Mike, long time Packer fan from California was offered a ticket for our week 18 game. I know the game is TBD, my only concern is everything will already be wrapped up in NFC by then and the game will be mostly backup game? How do you see the week 18 game shaping up?

Impossible to say at this point. There are five games to play before we get there. It's possible a lot of the positioning in the NFC could be set, but there could also be a lot on the line. You never know.

I noticed more misdirection in the backfield on running plays against SF that seemed to be very effective but it seems we've had less jet sweeps too especially with Reed. Your opinion?

The threat of those jet sweeps helps the inside running, though, and then it's an option to hit a team with the end around if it's pinching too much in the middle. The decisions are game-plan based and then things adjust as the game unfolds.

Christian Watson has been a frustrating player to watch for me. One week he goes off and the next he drops a TD. Do you think he will ever become that consistent receiver that was expected when they drafted him?

He's got all the talent in the world and that was his first drop of the season. He's been healthy all year for the first time, too (knock on wood), which matters in his development. I'm not giving up on him.

On that same vein, will you be able to spend any time with family before the game?

This year, yes. Last year, they held dinner for me and I got back from Detroit around 630 pm to eat with everybody. Like I said, year to year.

How long before kickoff are players expected to be in the locker room?

All players are expected to be at the stadium at least 2 hours before kickoff.

One of my favorite Coach McCarthy quotables was "We're nobody's underdog" with the context, moment, authenticity, inspiration all coming together in the right way. Has LaFleur provided us a similar statement matching a moment yet, or has the moment not presented itself yet?

I'd say there hasn't really been that moment, but I suspect any emotional or inspiring mantras for the players he keeps behind closed doors anyway.

Prediction time: who wins the turkey leg in a packer victory tomorrow?

Jacobs

Best gameday advice for first time at Lambeau? I'll be attending my first game tomorrow and couldn't be more excited!

If you're sitting in the bowl, the concrete can get really cold on the feet. Having something to put under your feet, like a piece of styrofoam that can act as a barrier between your feet and the concrete can go a long way.

Where do players park for home games?

The players' parking is all underground now. That was part of the big construction project with the new facility that was finished up last year.

They still owe Love a turkey leg from last year!

They do, and it would be great to see him earn another one.

Do you know if the half-time show will be part of the television broadcast? My kids were really excited about the Lindsey Sterling announcement.

Usually when the league makes a big announcement about a halftime performer, it's part of the TV broadcast.

I know I echo the thoughts of many out there when I say how thankful we are for the content that you and Wes work tirelessly to provide. I can imagine there are numerous sacrifices you make that we don't even know about; we appreciate you!

And trust me, we appreciate having an audience. With that I'm going to call it a chat. Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Take care and talk again soon.
Best,
Mike