Brian from Las Vegas, NV

Oh, Colleen … How 'bout a Fresca?

Ha. This crowd finds a way, every time.

Colleen from Blair, NE

An Insider Inbox class would be awesome, but it might be a class I struggle to pass if Chevy Chase movies are required. My husband saw the post about it and busted out laughing, saying, "That's a great movie. You'd absolutely hate it." We've been together 26 years. He knows my movie tastes well. Can I skip watching those and still pass the II class?

You might want to give "Christmas Vacation" and "Fletch" a try before playing hooky. You might actually like them. And then stay for "A Few Good Men" on the last day.

Ryan from Chippewa Falls, WI

When, exactly, does the baloney stop? Is it the exact moment of kickoff of the first game? And does anything stop when the first practice of training camp starts? This is confusing … Here's to the baloney stopping soon.

If Vic were still editor of this website, he would've stricken Wes's response yesterday from the record. I will most definitely be typing "The baloney stops now" into the live blog only when that ball is in the air at 3:25 p.m. CT on Sept. 7, and not a moment before. But if the younger generation wants to adjust the timeline, and menu, to suit its own perspective, well, let's just say I've learned to choose my battles.

James from Appleton, WI

I think we can all count Zach Tom as one check off our to-do lists. That leaves me: Take out recycling, laundry, extend Quay Walker.

There was a question just yesterday about all the Packers' cap space and what they're going to do with it. Funny how that works.

Sue from Three Lakes, WI

Now that Zack Tom has gotten his much-deserved payday, who gets paid next?

I don't know if anyone ranks as imminent or a must at the moment. Maybe some other discussions are ongoing, but the Packers can probably wait and see from here if they'd like.

Jake from Apple Valley, MN

The new locker room looks amazing! Credit to Evan Siegel and Madison Morris for capturing it for us. My question is, why is Isaiah McDuffie's locker next to Jordan Love's? Isn't it organized by number or position group?

Yes and no. Some positions are mostly or partially grouped near each other, but there are also random assignments here and there, spreading guys around. I've been told it's more art than science.

Dan from Herriman, UT

Mike or Wes, have you seen the new locker room? Holy cow, Batman! If so, what was your first reaction?

I won't physically be in there until after practice today, but it looks real, and it's spectacular.

Joe from Swansea, IL

When do we see photos of the recently renovated II headquarters? Only the best, I say, for our young scribes!

Ha. Though I did hear the reconstruction of the office space for our digital/social/video departments is ahead of schedule and we might actually be moving there at the end of the season rather than next summer. We had a temporary location last year, and another temporary one this year, so it'll be nice to settle in somewhere at some point in 2026.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Mike. What are your thoughts on the NFLPA fiasco and former Packer JC Tretter's resignation?

Everything involving Tretter lies beyond my comprehension right now, and it's difficult to know what to believe. What isn't in dispute is the union made a bad choice bringing in Howell as executive director, and the good thing about discovering it now is there's still time to reset before the next CBA negotiations, and presumably a lesson has been learned.

Johnny from Nasewaupee, WI

II, I think it was "The Athletic" that tabbed Edgerrin Cooper as a key to the success of the '25-26 Packers' defense. What makes him, potentially, so valuable?

Disruption. Thirteen TFLs in barely more than 400 defensive snaps while still learning the scheme and adjusting to the pro game as a rookie is, well, a bit bonkers.

Dick from Sarasota, FL

Good morning. A former Packer head coach used to describe the season as being divided into fourths. I always thought there was a lot of truth in that. Wanting to start the season fast with momentum is the goal of the first quarter. Finishing strong is the goal of the fourth quarter. What are your thoughts on this philosophy and what portion of the season is most important? Thanks for all your work!

There's merit to it, even though the math doesn't work out evenly anymore. Most of the time now, a season's segments are naturally created by where the breaks are – full bye week, mini-byes after Thursday games, possible groupings of division games, etc. As for the most important, the goal is to make that the final quarter, because that means you're in the playoff hunt looking to make a run. In other words, if the final quarter doesn't become the most important one of the regular season, the task of the first three quarters likely wasn't accomplished.

Andrew from Brownsburg, IN

In response to Kerry from Lakewood Ranch's question about the importance of Weeks 1-2: I remember many Peyton Manning-led Colts teams that won the first 7, 9, 11, or 14 games of the season, only to falter in the playoffs. I care much more about Weeks 17 and 18. Look at the Packers' last two years: 2024, lost last two games, lost wild card. 2023, won last two games, won wild card. Would you agree that the games at the end matter more than the games at the beginning?

The games at the end tell you how you're playing as the stakes rise. The ones at the beginning may determine where those high-stakes games are played. I'd rather be at home than on the road in the playoffs, but peaking at the right time is always worth more.

David from Janesville, WI

Gents, as we approach the end of the dead zone, I was curious about how you would handle a late-season dead zone. Hopefully the Packers won't experience it, but it has to be tougher to find content if you're playing meaningless games in December. Think Uecker when the Brewers were down by 11 in the sixth. At least he had limitless stories to fill the time. Are there any subjects the Inbox has unearthed that would allow you to "fill the time" if (heaven forbid) there were meaningless games late?

I don't concern myself with it. That hasn't happened around here since 2018, and the head coaching position was a rather poignant topic of conversation.

Kevin from Jenison, MI

There's been plenty of talk about position battles in training camp. One I'm interested in is comparing Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine. For example, if Williams is the next best safety with X and Bullard is in the slot, it's either Hobbs or Valentine outside with Nixon. If Bullard is the next safety, Hobbs is in the slot and Valentine outside. Another example of play the best players?

For sure, but also an opportunity to consider certain matchups on a weekly basis, and/or create situational packages with specific collections of DBs. Knowing what guys do best and putting them in situations to maximize those talents is a big part of coaching at this level.

John from Stevens Point, WI

It seems like this is the deepest Packer roster in years, outside of CB. With that in mind, will one of the last roster spots go to a CB, or is it going to be like the draft and "best player available"?

Rarely does the last roster spot come down to keeping a player at a certain position. It usually goes to a player who just flat-out earned a spot, or one on the edge the personnel department doesn't want to risk exposing to waivers.

Reese from Hays, KS

In draft and develop, I find it interesting that you count on improvement in third- and fourth-year vets to raise the team to the next level over rival teams' new additions or player development. It's easier to see rookie and Year 2 progress. What can we look for in Year 3 and 4 player development during camp?

As reporters, we watch for roles and usage. Are they out there with the first units all the time, or are they rotating in and out? Are they showing up regularly with a standout play or two every practice, or are they just part of the background and scenery? The players developing into core guys are taking all the first-team reps and making their presence known.

Bryan from Madison, WI

I have been a huge Tucker Kraft fan since his rookie year. The way he catches, moves in space, blocks, and bounces back (literally) after taking a huge hit have "elite" written all over them (IMO). What would Kraft need to do statistically over the next few seasons to gain recognition as being a top-tier TE amongst the NFL Illuminati. What about amongst the (II) Illuminati?

I don't think anyone in this space has short-changed Kraft, but as far as the national scene, when a tight end eclipses 1,000 yards and/or double-digit TDs in a season, big-time recognition generally follows. Kraft was at 707 yards and seven TDs last year. He's on his way.

Rod from Ephrata, PA

Was the Elgton Jenkins contract issue a total surprise to the front office or was it expected? Please reassure me it will soon be resolved and not affect the coordination between Jenkins and Love.

I doubt the front office was shocked. I'm sticking to what I said initially, that it's a business issue that'll get sorted out. Love expressed zero concern this spring about any missed snaps with Jenkins.

Samuel from Skokie, IL

We know an OL plays best when they can all work together as a unit. We could have the same unit as last year. That unit I believe allowed the second-lowest sack total and the Pack had a top running game. If it ain't broke … But we also know first- and second-round draft choices get in the lineup. I am mildly concerned we will lose the unit play to get potential in the lineup. Do you think that's an issue?

Fans love the mantra "If it ain't broke …" while coaches much prefer "If you aren't getting better, you're getting worse." The Packers will always be looking for ways and opportunities to improve. But that improvement must be evident, or very close on the horizon, to prompt change. The players will ultimately decide it.

Ben from Faithorn, MI

With training camp on the horizon, us Packer faithful watch with anticipation. What, in your opinion, is the most important position battle we should watch?

Definitely the starting jobs on the offensive line referenced above, as Jordan Morgan competes with Rasheed Walker at left tackle and Sean Rhyan at right guard. After that, the battles for RB2, LB3, CB4(+) and at the WR position in general are worth attention.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Which under-the-radar player are you keeping an eye on during camp and preseason, and why?

With their UDFA class, the Packers gave the largest guarantees to DL Nazir Stackhouse, OL Tyler Cooper, LB Jamon Johnson and DB Johnathan Baldwin. So they have my interest from the jump.

Shanna from Corunna, IN

I was in town last weekend to run the Packers 5K, which was a blast! After cleaning up a bit we decided to head back and do some last-minute shopping at the Pro Shop. There was this guy pushing a flatbed cart, so we ran up to the door to open it for him. Lo and behold, it was Mark Murphy! I was completely caught off guard. Mr. Murphy was just casually cleaning out his office. He stopped and chatted with us for awhile and allowed me to fan girl and get a picture with him. The most genuine person!

Mark Murphy cleaning out his own office and pushing his own cart of belongings out the door is the most Mark Murphy thing ever.

Bob from Rome, NY

Gentlemen, will the both of you be getting time and a half for Saturdays starting this weekend?

It doesn't work that way. Not that I'm complaining. Comes with the gig.

Mike from Cashton, WI

Not a question, but with training camp starting on Wednesday I just want to wish you both good luck, we're all counting on you.

If only I had an inflatable auto-sportswriter to brave the heat for me on the practice field.

Al from Green Bay, WI

It starts. We're all ready, but are you? Inboxes six days/week. Practice coverage, podcasts, latest news on injuries, who's climbing the depth charts, contract stuff, roster trimming. But don't worry – it will slow down some time in February.

Happy opening day of training camp, everyone.

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