TK from Grafton, WI

It sure sounds like Brenton Cox Jr. is seizing his opportunity. Is that right?

He brings it every day. I thought Cox's quote to Rob Demovsky about peeling the offensive lineman's face off speaks to that mentality and playstyle. Cox is getting reps with the No. 1 special teams unit, too. That's an encouraging step given how that phase was a bit of a hurdle for Cox getting on the gameday roster during his first two seasons.

William from Charleston, WV

I get it intuitively, but can you explain how both can be true? We say "next man up" as if there's little difference between a starter and a reserve player. Yet, we also see that "upper echelon NFL players are more than just a cut above anyone backing them up." Is it just case by case, depending on the players? Is it not wanting to make excuses, even though we realize some players are almost irreplaceable? Sometimes it seems, the difference is less about talent and more about repeatability.

It just depends on who's hurt and who's the next man up. Are we talking about Lou Gehrig or Joe Schmo? Many times, what seems like the worst-case scenario leads to Tom Brady or Kurt Warner suddenly appearing. NFL teams load their rosters with young players not only because it's cost effective in a hard-capped league, but it also allows a chance to improve in the long term.

Craig from Appleton, WI

If I am reading the tea leaves correctly, eight offensive line roster spots are essentially claimed at this point. How would you handicap the players competing for the remaining one or two spots?

Offensive line is a position where jobs are truly won and lost during the final two weeks of training camp. That's how Lane Taylor, Lucas Patrick, Justin McCray, Greg Van Roten and Don Barclay earned their place. I think McCray might have topped 200 preseason snaps when he first made the team in 2017. As grueling as camp gets, you can't break stride until the finish line. This summer, Donovan Jennings, John Williams, Travis Glover, Darian Kinnard, Brant Banks and those undrafted rookies all bring something different to the table. They gotta show their durability, versatility and consistency to make it to Week 1.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, what is "success" for QB3 Kyle McCord in the 2026 season? Make the 53? Make the PS? What is the end goal, QB2 of the future? Draft capital? How many understudies have become QB2 for GB? Seems to me most of these QBs have a one- or two-year shelf life, and then you turn them over. Malik Willis the exception, but he became QB2 in short order, not QB3.

I've been very impressed with what I've seen from McCord, but making the 53 this summer is largely out of his control. Even if McCord plays lights out the last two weeks, there are so many other factors in play. It's also been six years since the last time Green Bay kept three QBs on the active roster. In a perfect world, though, I think the Packers would love to develop a capable QB2 for the future while Tyrod Taylor holds that spot down today.

Scott from Sheboygan, WI

Who are the oldest and youngest players on the roster?

Taylor is the oldest at 37 years and a few days. The youngest is Brandon Cisse at 21 years and a month.

Al from Green Bay, WI

You called it before the start of camp. The CB competition is going to be interesting! What surprises or thoughts do you have about the competition at this point?

Brandon Cisse has been this good this early. I thought he'd be a long(er)-term project, but he's holding his own against the likes of Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.

Steve from Flagstaff, AZ

Besides where being drafted, what can you guys tell us the difference between Cisse and Alexander as rookies? Both drafted high with a ton of talent. Who would you say is better at this point in their rookie training camps? Anyone more fundamentally sound technique-wise? Faster? Or can you say that the Packers were lucky enough to have both players and hopefully Cisse sticks around longer and has fewer injuries?

Both are very talented cornerbacks worthy of being top draft choices…and the similarities probably end there.

Doug from Salem, OR

One last weigh-in on fans wanting to win preseason games. Maybe one more example might help? Think of it as auditing a class in college. You will learn something along the way, but you won't get any credits.

To win a preseason game, it requires each phase and each unit to hold up its end of the bargain for four quarters. It's like an endurance race, almost. That's how I look at it. I was in the locker room after the Packers lost 27-2 in Denver two years ago. Guys were (ticked). Nobody wants to lose. But you also must remember there are bigger fish to fry.

Dave from Wheaton, IL

Have you changed your position on not playing first string in preseason games now that they've played in Pittsburgh and will be playing in Denver?

I never played my starters in "Madden" and voiced my agreement with Aaron Rodgers against playing in the preseason in the past. So, it would be hypocritical for me to say elsewise now. However, I don't think there's a right or wrong answer to this age-old question. If LaFleur feels the best way to prepare his football team is for Jordan Love and Co. to get out there and chuck the pigskin, who am I to disagree?

Herb from Mosier, OR

Tucker Kraft is double-covered and makes a one-handed catch that could have gone for a TD. Yikes! Was he really injured 9½ months ago? Now reporters are using adjectives like "Tucker Kraft type attitude" for other players. Is there anything he can't do? Does he have any weaknesses? Blocking? Stamina? Does he prefer Velveeta over cheddar?

Haven't asked him the last question, but Kraft is the most complete tight end I've covered. With an All-Pro season, he might be the most complete tight end Green Bay has seen in the modern era.

Brianna from Farmington, MN

What can we expect differently from our defense this year compared to next year?

More pressure. There's risk that comes with that, but I don't take Jonathan Gannon as a coach who fears aggression. He wants to be the hammer.

Mick from UK

Last season we saw a leaguewide increase in blocked field goals. Will Trey Smack's high launch angle give us an edge this season?

I just love the way the ball travels off his foot. Like I said on "Unscripted," it's natural. He's not whaling at it.

Jim from Prairie du Chien, WI

Good morning, all! Trey Smack had a new Packers hat on for his interview with the media yesterday that was black and blue. Help me understand. It is the black-and-blue division, but the less it looks like Detroit, the better! GPG!

It's the throwback hat. It was in the pro shop last year.

Patrick from East Dubuque, IL

What is your best estimate on how many defensive linemen make the Game 1 roster?

Probably five depending on how many edge rushers are active. Lukas Van Ness, Dani Dennis-Sutton and Barryn Sorrell can play three-technique in third-down nickel, too.

Eric from Wrightstown, WI

Very encouraging to see so many players getting healthy enough to participate in the 11-on-11 and contact sessions, with 3½ weeks of practice time left before the opener. Also, regarding Javon Hargrave, it's about time we had a contributor coming from MN, rather than moving there. I don't recall any other recent players trading purple for green and gold. Am I missing some?

Ben Sims and Eric Wilson are the two recent ones who crossed the Mississippi…and then Wilson went back again.

Richard from Greenwich, NY

Hola Dos Amigos, I know they have yet to face an NFL offense playing starters to win, but I would be surprised if this defense isn't one of tops in the league. Deep line, high-level linebackers, maybe best safety trio, pretty solid corners. And that's without Micah Parsons.

The overall talent level is remarkable. I get there are questions at cornerback, but we've come a long way from LaDarius Gunter pushing for a starting job. You have to win on the field, but it looks promising.

Ted from Eau Claire, WI

Jonathan Ford sure got that voice; I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of that! What other voices past and present make you straighten up a bit?

Marcedes Lewis would be up there, though I've never heard him raise his voice in an argumentative manner. Probably Reggie White, too.

Devin from Bondurant, IA

Hey there boys, fun hypothetical question time: Let's say that you had to pick two players on the Packers squad currently to fill in for you to do "Packers Unscripted" and the Inbox. Who would you pick to replicate the dynamic you share? Also, same question but for any former Packers player within its history? Personally, I think Carrington Valentine and Tucker Kraft would create an interesting combo.

Solid choices. I think Brant Banks would be excellent at this. He's a big man with a big personality. Evan Williams, Kamal Hadden, and Zaire Franklin would be fun, too.

Gary from Las Vegas, NV

Mike and/or Wes! Top of the morning to both of you! I realize that this is the time of the year for hype and hope, but my enthusiasm is tempered by doubt. Until the Packers prove they can win a game without Micah Parsons, the stigma of how last season ended hangs over them. As always there are many unknowns to begin a new season. The first four games are against teams that missed the playoffs last year. How critical do you see the outcome of those games being to the season's success?

They're critical for the same reason you don't want to double-bogey the opening holes of your 18. That's not to say the round is over, but it definitely puts you in a hole. I haven't thought about the lingering effects of how 2025 finished. Last season is last season. My concern is the Packers are opening the season against four non-playoff teams, whom the rest of the NFC North will also face. You need some Ws regardless of whether Parsons is out there.

Matto from Fort Worth, TX

Why do you think Denver has been such a house of horrors for the Packers?

Long trip, high elevation, and the Packers never seem to catch the Broncos in off years. With maybe the exception of the Russell Wilson game three years ago, Denver is usually in top form when it plays Green Bay for whatever reason.

Lee from Cleveland, OH

I think too many fans believe that players take a 30,000-foot bird's eye view of games before they are played and assign a meaning to them (e.g. revenge game, steppingstone game, etc.). True professionals, I believe, view the game as just winning the play, beating the guy in front of me THIS PLAY, not thinking about much more than that. If you take care to expertly stack the one brick in front of you, the building will build itself. Revenge game, etc., is just fodder for writers. Just do your job.

Yeah. With a few exceptions, I think that's pretty much how it goes at this level.

Greg from Lincoln City, OR

A reference from "Mr. Mom" in the Inbox? That right there is class to the extreme! Nicely done.

That one went completely over my head. This must be how Spoff feels when I start talking pro wrestling.

William from Charleston, WV

A preseason win would give us the false sense of security we need, at least until the season starts. To paraphrase Big Julius, "'Cause [reality] ain't too high on our people's priority list" this time of year.

Whatever makes you feel good.

HAVE A QUESTION?