Inbox: Every big play serves a larger purpose

Hanly from Bozeman, MT

Do you have any more info on the new injuries to Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, and Edgerrin Cooper? Please tell me that Golden's toe injury isn't turf toe.

Cooper returned for Monday's padded practice, so he appears to be fine. I don't have specifics on Reed's ankle or Golden's toe, but both receivers watched 11-on-11 from the sideline on Monday. That's usually a good sign.

Mark from Champaign, IL

In the preseason, many fans feel that any team can win the Super Bowl and every player is going to be a star. Is it challenging from your perspective to maintain that excitement and optimism while tempering expectations? Thank you for all you do!

Optimistic is closer to realistic than pessimistic, but all three are different. For me, it goes back to Mike McCarthy's "three types of players" mantra. Every big play serves a larger purpose. Because they're not easy to accomplish or replicate. When players stack days, that's when talent begins to emerge. For example, Day 3 draft picks such as Micah Hyde and Corey Linsley didn't win a starting spot in one day. They did it through consistency and piling up big moments. So, I never discount that. Excitement is important, though. If there is no excitement, then why are we even here? There are plenty of other things in life willing to make you miserable for half the cost.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

I thought Jacob Monk was really a backup center, yet here he is fighting for a possible starting right guard. Please give us some more detail on Monk, college and pro career to date.

Everybody is a backup until they're a starter. That's true in football and in life. Monk played everywhere in college and has worked at all three interior spots in Green Bay. I always mention how David Bakhtiari had just started taking first-team reps at right tackle when Bryan Bulaga tore his ACL at Family Night in 2013. Next thing you know Bakhtiari is the team's starting left tackle for the next decade. Elgton Jenkins was drafted as a center and then is two-time Pro Bowl right guard with across-the-line versatility. I like what I've seen from Monk at guard. He's sturdy, tenacious and plays with great pad level.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Everyone seemed to think the starting five on the offensive line was set in stone. I'm not so sure it is. Jacob Monk might be the sleeper in the group to push his way as a starting guard. What are you seeing, what are your thoughts?

I've neither heard no bell nor seen any finish line. We still have a long way to go. As Spoff well-articulated, though, it is good to see Monk bounce back so well from the hamstring and biceps injuries that have sidelined him for most of the past year.

Dale from Milwaukee, WI

How much should starters play vs. Pittsburgh?

If the starters go, I think two series makes sense. That's typically been how the Packers have handled it under Matt LaFleur.

David from Janesville, WI

Gents, Jeff from Ely's submission talked about roster speculation and specifically the wide receivers. Mike correctly pointed to special teams as a key factor for the reserve wideouts. We know Skyy Moore is a talented returner, and Bo Melton a special teams ace. What teams involvement have you seen from guys like Isaiah Neyor, J. Michael Sturdivant and Will Sheppard? Even with some involvement it's going to be hard to crack that top six and I don't know if the team would keep seven. Everyone has WRs they like and must cut.

You gotta show something whether it is as a returner, flyer, jammer or chasing down kickoffs. That's where Melton and Moore have earned their roster spot while serving as reserve wideouts. Neyor and Sturdivant are working with the second-team coverage units while Sheppard has some return ability.

Kerry from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Can MarShawn Lloyd effectively run between the tackles?

Yes, and that multiplicity is what makes him dangerous when healthy. He's a natural ball carrier who can break a tackle with both his shoulders and his speed.

Al from Green Bay, WI

It's happening again this year. There are at least eight wide receivers who I really want to see on the Packers' initial 53. It's a position of perennial depth, it seems. Then I reflect on Vic's comments that receivers are a dime a dozen. Then I ponder the dramatic escalation in compensation for WRs across the league. Please help. Make it make sense!

Give the receiving corps credit. With Reed and Golden out of the lineup this week, the backups have seized their first-team opportunities. Savion Williams caught seven of eight targets on Sunday, including the 60-yard TD. Melton showed heart and toughness to fight for an underthrown deep ball for Jordan Love and later scored on another deep ball off a trick play. Kisean Johnson showed back up in Green Bay over the weekend and made a nice bang-bang snag on a 30-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor in two-minute on Monday, as well. Now the question becomes who will carry that momentum into Pittsburgh.

Baxter from Jacksonville, FL

I know how we all feel about the armchair pundits, but for once I think they may be right about something – too much rotation on the O-line in the last few years. I know injuries have played a part, but it seems the Packers have prioritized experimentation and competition at the expense of stability. Have Gutey or Coach LaFleur said anything about trying to keep a more consistent line together?

LaFleur was asked this very question again on Monday; several times, in fact. The Packers would love nothing more than to have a consistent starting five on the field.

Michael from Sebastian, FL

With the speed of the top three receivers, why don't the Packers throw more slant routes?

Not to give away any secrets, but there seems to be plenty of them on the menu during the first two weeks of camp.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Who is somebody in training camp we should be paying more attention to?

Jaylin Simpson.

Jeff from Foothill Ranch, CA

Hi II, thank you for all your hard work! We often hear of a swing tackle, is there such a thing as a swing guard? Or is it more like if you play on the interior, you play all three spots?

For sure. Evan Smith, Lucas Patrick and Justin McCray carved out lengthy NFL careers with their ability to play all three spots on the interior. Some knew how to play center. Others had to learn. But it all goes hand-in-hand (e.g. Sean Rhyan).

Mick from UK

There's never a good time to get injured but right now seems like the most brutal. It feels like we're entering the culling zone.

NFL training camps are probably one of the toughest, most grueling activities a person can put themselves through. It is a marathon run on road filled with thumbtacks. I think about Johnathan Baldwin and Marlon Jones each grabbing interceptions in the opening days of training camp and now they're off the 90-man roster due to injury. At the same time, I think about all the players who forged through that gauntlet to earn a roster spot. It's not easy, but the journey rewards those we find at the finish line.

Nik from Moore, SC

Which is more likely to happen at the end of camp...surprise vet signing or surprise vet cut/trade?

Signing a vet.

Greg from Australia

Hi guys. It's so exciting to see a fellow Sydneysider on the Packers roster! Have you seen much of Thomas Yassmin in action so far?

The Packers are treating him like the veteran player he is and throwing him right out there. Yassmin is not your typical International Player Pathway prospect. He's been in the NFL for two years and knows how to play tight end. With the Packers badly banged up there, I expect we'll see Yassmin get a fair amount of snaps in Pittsburgh.

Dale from Owatonna, MN

I don't submit questions too often, but enough to be looking the day after to see if I added a worthy submission. First there are a usually large number of Dales in II. Second, in a rough guess what percentage of one person's submissions get chosen? For reference I would say about 40% of my questions get some reply.

I don't know, but I'm sure Pro Football Focus has a statistic for it.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

Might there be a role for Anthony Campbell on special teams? I'm thinking punt/FG block team. With his size, wingspan, and knack for swatting the ball, he could be a defensive weapon in that regard. Could he become one of those "back of the roster" guys that makes the squad due to a ST niche?

Absolutely. That's how the Packers used T.J. Slaton and Johnny Jolly in the past. Again, massive preseason snaps are in Campbell's not-too-distant future.

David from Henderson, NV

No question but that was quite the “Three Things” video. Larry really knows how to tell a story, and Wes couldn't keep it together. Thank you for being my Monday highlight!

As soon as Larry mentioned going up the stairs, I knew exactly where it was heading…completely off the rails.

Richard from Woodruff, WI

Hello II, as far as the final 53 men on the roster I count 55. Maybe Brian Gutekunst, Matt LaFleur and Ed Policy can hide those last two somewhere? Like in that Mark Murphy story? (That story is awesome!) Thanks.

I think the authorities might have something to say about that in 2026, let alone the NFL.

Venny from Montgomery, AL

Are public practices a league requirement? If so, do all teams have the same amount or is it up to each team?

There are no league requirements. It's up to each team how many practices it wants to open up to its fans.

Glen from Leesburg, VA

Wes, tell your Uncle Mike we had a great experience on the Lambeau Field tour on Saturday. He was an absolute joy and his storytelling was masterful. It was the perfect ending to a great Family Night weekend in Green Bay. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect time. It was truly memorable.

Uncle Mike is the G.O.A.T. (who also received all the height molecules in the Hodkiewicz bloodline). He's been a great addition to the Packers Hall of Fame tours. Glad you enjoyed yours.

Devin from Bondurant, IA

Dying to know. When watching Packers "Question of the Day" videos on socials, it always cracks me up when they subtitle "*Carrington Valentine noises*" Are they just as electric in video format as in real life?

They're undefeated.

Agustin from Monterrey, Mexico

Hello Mike and Wes, first of all, kudos on "Admin" making an appearance in the Inbox; it was fun reading a variation on the regular column. Will introducing these kinds of surprises or variations become a recurring practice for II?

I concur. Admin did a great job with it. No different than Outsider Inbox, it's always fun when we can throw a curveball to help keep the column fresh. There are no plans for a recurring columnist, but don't be surprised if you see Admin (or Frosty) come back again someday.

H.R. from Henderson, NV

We defrosted our chest freezer this weekend, and what do I find but a package of Liberty Brats from Pelkin's! My MIL brought them here when she visited from Wausaukee last year, and they somehow got buried. But now we get to enjoy some home-grown brats while we watch the Packers on Thursday. Mustard and onions, no asparagus. Go Pack!

There's nothing better in life than finding a lost bratwurst.

Craig from Sussex, WI

If you steal Wes's lunch, what is likely the type of sandwich? Would there be a Twinkie in there, too?

No Twinkies. Summer sausage, preferably from Maplewood Meats.

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