Ric from Santa Maria, CA

We so appreciate all you do, especially for us who are out of state and don't get much Packer news. I know you don't prefer stats but after looking over the last ten II (Aug. 5-13) chosen submissions over 68% were from out of the state of Wisconsin. Packer fans are all over the world. GPG

Insider Inbox Stats & Info brought you by Ric from Santa Maria.

David from Ft. Worth, TX

Edgerrin Cooper is listed as 229 pounds. Tucker Kraft, 259. So where are the remaining 1,512 pounds coming from?

I'm unfamiliar with the size disparity, but force does equal mass times acceleration, right? Both guys bring plenty of it. I don't know any other way to describe Cooper than he's been a force this summer – he tackles well, arrives suddenly, can blitz from anywhere and has gotten better in coverage.

Ben from Cripple Creek, CO

Good test for our run defense with Jonathan Taylor in practice. But they have to practice against Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd.

Taylor is a power back in every sense of the word, so it'll make for good work for the defensive front. Jacobs is a challenge to square up in his own right. Lloyd, if he can stay healthy, has uncoachable traits that could make him a problem in this league. I cannot wait for Packers fans to see Lloyd in an actual game. His speed and explosiveness are different for a back his size.

Nathan from Minneapolis, MN

Lukas Van Ness' camp success is exciting. He's always had the physical tools, but I've felt he could really take off with a few more pass rush moves and craftier hands. Has he added anything new to his game that's fueling these wins in camp?

He's developed his arsenal and found more ways to win his rush, but it also can be as simple as a very talented, very athletic young man growing into his body and strength. That's what I see with Van Ness. He's worked hard since the day the Packers drafted him, but now he's 24 years old. He's no longer the young buck locking antlers with older stags. He's part of the herd now.

Josh from Playa Majagual, Nicaragua

After a strong performance against the Jets, I'm hearing a lot of chatter that Jordan Morgan should start at left tackle. Meanwhile, there have been exactly zero All Pro tackles this century with sub-33-inch arms. What do you see that makes you think Morgan is transcendent?

You got us going from "Hey, the guy looks good in camp" to "Morgan should be the starting left tackle" to "Can he be an All-Pro?" faster than I can say Wuert Engelmann Jr. Pump the brakes a little here and let's see Morgan in another regular-season game first. Morgan has done a fine job in Rasheed Walker's brief absence, but he's still a second-year player getting back in the swing of things after a significant injury. As far as positions go, I don't care if you play left tackle, center or right guard – if you start for a decade in the NFL, then you were worth the first-round pick. Morgan is doing all the right things. He's just needs to find his spot.

Jay from Altoona, WI

Prior to training camp, there was a vocal contingent of Packer fans asking for Brian Gutekunst to trade one of the wide receivers since the Packers surely wouldn't be able to keep them all. Since then, the position group has been hampered with injuries. While none of the new injuries appear to be long-term, does the absence of a trade demonstrate that perhaps Gutey knew what he is doing?

None of these injuries appear long-term, but they serve as a reminder of the importance of depth – especially when a majority of that depth is on rookie deals. Another way to look at it…when you have jars on the shelf, the goal shouldn't be to trade them away immediately. Get through winter first.

Bruce from Las Vegas, NV

Any chance Bo Melton switches back to offense until more WRs are healthy?

Not right now. Melton's focus needs to be on cornerback and using his reps to learn that position. Once the regular season starts, however, it could be handy for the Packers to have someone like Melton on the 53 if injuries mount at receiver. You can always sign/trade for wideouts, but Melton has three years of experience in Matt LaFleur's playbook. That's irreplaceable.

Ryan from Milwaukee, WI

Wes referred to Josh Jacobs as one of the three most important players for the 2025 Packers. I would agree, and Jordan Love is obviously one of the other two. Who's your pick for the other spot?

Xavier McKinney. His eight interceptions were awesome last year, but they only tell a small portion of the story. I believe the Packers' defensive improvement last year was tied heavily to not only revamping the safety position but also putting a leader like McKinney in the front of the room.

John from Stevens Point, WI

What should we expect in preseason Game 2? Will we see the starters at all? What is Coach LaFleur looking for from his team?

I'd be surprised if the starters play after the joint practice, but you never know. LaFleur will want to see progress either way.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

It's not a secret that our receiver room is a little banged up. I heard a rumor that Tom Grossi is in town for a workout. In my opinion, he would just be a camp body? Does he have any shot at the practice squad? No way he makes the 53?

Then, and only then, it may be time to press the panic button.

Dan from Cross Plains, WI

With no live tackling in the joint practice and some of the training camp practices, how do the players "tackle?" Are they taught to wrap up the ball carrier? Or is it more if a defender is there, they stop and consider the play dead? It must be tough for defenders to play with the same intensity without live tackling.

The defensive players either thud up if it's a ball-carrier or pull-up if it's a receiver downfield looking in a ball. The intention is to do everything except bring the offensive player to the ground.

Dale from Athens, GA

How many former UGA Bulldogs will there be on the final team roster this year?

Six, seven (or eight).

John from Palmdale, CA

Watched your latest “Packers Unscripted” where you were saying that you plan on doing another this week if you can find facilities. As a longtime daily reader who would be less than thrilled not to get my fix, I'm offering a wee bit of advice. Don't burn yourselves out trying too much. Less content is far better than none.

We have concepts of a plan that would result in us shooting "Unscripted" on Friday morning. We'll get a lay of the land today and go from there, but I'd put the odds at 98% it happens.

Jeff from Puyallup, WA

Wes, what is the droid strategically located between you and your surface tablet? It's got beady eyes from here.

Ha. That's the audio box, so I can hear our producer Hannah up in the control room. Man, nothing gets past you people.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

The first preseason game was rough and the injury list is growing, but that is part of football. What are some encouraging takeaways the team and fans can build on from here?

Matthew Golden looks legit, Ty'Ron Hopper continues to make plays while leading the No. 2 defense at "Mike" linebacker and it should only go up from here.

Nate from Manitowoc, WI

What is your overall impression of the rookie class so far? It does seem like they may contribute more early than a normal class.

I think Golden and Savion Williams, if healthy, will have a big impact on this year's team.

Mark from Westminster, CO

Has there been a sense of urgency in practice this week versus previous weeks?

I don't want to compare, but Tuesday's session definitely had some bite to it.

Peder from Sevastopol, WI

I noticed in the "5 Things Learned" picture of Malik Willis that he does not have any part of his hand on the laces of the football. Is that his grip when he throws the ball or is it just his take a picture grip? I thought most QBs have at least their fingers on the laces.

We also don't know where Willis was in the progress of the play or drill. But it's not totally out of left field for a quarterback to throw the ball without his fingers on the laces. Aaron Rodgers used to talk about that from time to time.

Mark from Sturgeon Bay, WI

There was a comment in Tuesday's Inbox about QB inaccuracy Saturday. My question is do we really know if it was in fact QB inaccuracy or wrong routes by receivers?

Matt LaFleur had an excellent response to a similar question from Pete Dougherty. The easiest answer is we don't know because the average observer, including myself, doesn't know the particulars of the play – was it a miscue by the quarterback or perhaps the timing was off with the receiver's route? Where we get the answers comes at the end of training camp when the Packers take stock of their roster and adjust accordingly.

Ron from Mitchell, SD

Mike, was on his A game on Wednesday. "Rock needs no preseason"! That was awesome and especially true!

I suppose Larry got his fill of the preseason during those 12 years in the NFL.

Matt from Hudson, WI

The NFLPA has voiced its concern about turf fields and the possible increased injury chance when playing on them. At the same time, players continue to sign large contracts with teams with turf fields. Money talks and I don't blame players for signing these contracts. That said, what leverage does the union have to force a change?

The next collective bargaining agreement, probably. And unfortunately players have more pressing needs than the playing surface.

Mark from Burbank, CA

Mike: Why do you refer to Wes as your "trusted colleague?" Trusted to do what? Is that a counterpoint to some other colleague?

I'll take this one…it's Jennifer Ward.

Jeff from Stinson, IL

Before most of us are ready to disregard the mistakes made in the first game because it's preseason, let's not forget that it's precisely the same mistakes that have kept us from going frrther all these years. We displayed another example of bad performances at a bad time, and it's a pattern whether you admit it or not. That's not pessimism.

OK.

Kenda from Manitowoc, WI

Would the Packers allow Aaron Rodgers to finish his career in Green Bay?

Can he start his career in Pittsburgh first?

Joe from Bozeman, MT

I had a bad feeling when I saw that Mecole Hardman was wearing Amari Rodgers' old number.

What was Hardman doing wearing a Josh Jacobs jersey in Bozeman?

Steve from Middletown, KY

Good morning. I remember thinking Jake Kumerow was going to be next in line as an explosive WR in GB. Does his injury rank high on your list that affected that season? I felt like he was a big missing piece that year. Why do young players take unnecessary risks, especially when they get to the end zone? I think it derailed his career. GPG!

Are we talking about the same Jake Kumerow?

Luke from Dubuque, IA

Wes, now many of us are wondering...which is your favorite Pokémon?

Eevee because it represents hidden potential and endless possibilities.

Gary from Davenport, IA

I see the Indiana Fever are in town on Friday night and tickets are cheap, for one obvious reason. Is that something that would interest you while you're nearby or is it too late (7:30 p.m. ET) because of the 1:00 p.m. ET start to the Packer game on Saturday? They usually put celebrities like Tyrese Haliburton courtside, so maybe you could play that angle.

I went to a Red Clay Strays concert in downtown Indy on Wednesday night. That pretty much takes care of my disposable income for the week.

Ryan from Chippewa Falls, WI

Morning Wes! Mike sees your silly kick and raises you Blayne from Blaine.

If you'd excuse me, I'm searching for Platte from Platteville. He's gotta be somewhere.

Mike from Winchester, TN

Hi Wes, I know that the general rule is no math in the Inbox, but it does sneak in when warranted. This might be too important to pass on: The zip code for The Packers is 54304. If you add 54+30+4 it totals 88!

MICHAEL!!!

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