Bob from Kennesaw, GA

On the Colts' end-of-game touchdown pass attempt, the replay camera angle just happened to be optimal for discerning that the receiver's whole torso was definitely in the end zone, while both the ball and his feet were out of bounds. I don't understand why it took so long to reach that conclusion. Does this bode ill for quality officiating this season?

Maybe. Maybe. Either way, we're on to Seattle.

Jeff from Ogden, UT

Anthony Belton was a point of focus for me. He had kind of a weird game. He made some mistakes to be sure, but I think they overshadow his performance. I thought he was effective, especially on the run plays. He moved the pile, even making some blocks at the second level. What did you see?

A guy who responded the way you want to see a professional respond. I commend Belton for the fortitude he showed after a trying first half. He didn't let adversity sink him and played a pivotal role in the Packers' second-half comeback, helping push Amar Johnson into the end zone on his touchdown run. There's plenty to clean up, but I feel like we learned a thing or two about the man behind the tackle on Saturday. He showed the grit to match the potential.

Detlef from Breitenstein, Germany

It seems like MarShawn Lloyd just can't catch a break from injuries. I sure hope sometime this season we will actually talk about real gameday contributions and not just pure physical potential and what he could bring to the table!

I feel for Lloyd, who's had a string of bad luck that I don't know I've ever seen before. I credit him for his consummate professionalism, though. He's done everything he can, taken all the setbacks in stride and doesn't get punchy with the media when asked about his injuries. You saw how dynamic Lloyd can be on that wheel route. But that bug just continues to bite him. Hopefully, the night is darkest just before the dawn here.

Bruce from Appleton, WI

I know the preseason is still early but what is your take on the young players this season?

I approve.

Doug from Odell, IL

Will the Packers carry more RBs on the roster for the regular season than last year?

Time will tell, but the last time the Packers carried four running backs on their Week 1 roster was 2020. It's also the only time they've had more than three RBs on their initial 53 in the last seven years.

Darrel from Pueblo, CO

II, MarShawn Lloyd is certainly a uniquely talented player that has had such bad luck so far. How long does he get to recover and hopefully get on the field before it's considered a liability to consume a roster spot, and you need to move on?

Maybe if it was 2008, but there's so much flexibility now with rosters between designating up to eight players to return from injured reserve and elevating guys from the practice squad. It certainly stinks for Lloyd, but the roster construction has never been more efficient than it is in 2025.

David from Dansville, MI

Hello, II! Longtime listener, first-time caller...I saw Bo Melton's name pop up a few times while watching the game cast of the Indy game. Do you think he has a legitimate shot at the 53? Could be signed to the practice squad? GPG!

I don't make roster predictions, but Melton absolutely has a legitimate shot at the roster again. He's a locker room leader and core-four special teamer who started at cornerback on Saturday, playing 42 defensive snaps.

Scott from Palos Park, IL

Bo Melton is not even a lock to make the team (close but not guaranteed), but he sure does look the part. I suspect the move is not as easy as he has made it appear. Just how hard is the transition to the opposite side of the line?

The Packers wouldn't have stuck with this transition if they didn't like what they saw during minicamp. While position transitions happen all the time at the collegiate level, I'm floored Melton, at 26 years old, has taken to this position so well. It speaks to his intelligence and athleticism. He's done more than just tread water this camp. He's holding strong swimming against the current.

Greg from Conway, SC

Who lines up on 7-on-7, and why doesn't coach LaFleur like it for practice?

It's everyone but the lines. LaFleur isn't a big fan of it because it's not a realistic drill – there's no pressure on the quarterback or linemen to throw past. It's almost like why have seven when you can have all 11?

Matt from Ixonia, WI

Do players get paid for preseason games? I remember they didn't in the past, but I thought that changed with the new collective bargaining agreement.

Players have always received a weekly stipend during the offseason program and training camp, but it's nominal compared to weekly salaries in the regular season. I can try to dig back into the collective bargaining agreement this week and see what the 2025 compensation is.

Kevin from Jenison, MI

I'm just wondering if you've seen or heard anything of Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed? Do they come out to practice or are they strictly with training/rehab people?

Both Reed and Wicks have been at practice. LaFleur was asked on Sunday if he expects those two receivers being ready for Week 1 and responded: "I sure hope so."

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

What's the hardest practice drill for players, in terms of physical strength? Thanks for all you two do!

The Packers don't do them anymore, but I used to think half-line drills must be brutal. It was just the running backs and lines running into each other repeatedly. Nowadays, I'd say it's probably one-on-one drills between OL and DL.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

With two preseason games in the books, which position battle do you think has cleared up the most since the beginning of camp, and which one still leaves you with the biggest questions?

Edge rusher probably has sorted itself out the most. It feels like Lukas Van Ness is poised to graduate to a starting role opposite Rashan Gary. It's still way too close to call on the offensive line because of the domino effect of whatever happens at left tackle.

Ronald from Edison, NJ

Who will be our starting offensive left tackle?

The Magic 8 ball reads: "Ask again later…preferably on a day Spofford answers questions." Weird.

Theresa from Sylvania, OH

I attended the game with my son. First, a shout out to the Colts fans who were incredibly kind. Several congratulated us on the win, many thanked us for visiting, and others wished us safe travels home. Great group! Second, there was an audible gasp in our section when Daniel Whelan punted. The Colts fan behind us told his son, "Well, I guess we know why he's on the team." TV cameras are not doing his leg justice. Can you make sure we don't take his punts for granted? It was impressive to see in person.

There was a quote Matt Orzech gave me about Whelan for a story I wrote recently for the Packers program that's really stuck with me: "On a daily basis, every day, he'll hit one punt that's like, 'Oh, my goodness.'" There's a reason the Packers are holding expectations high for Whelan…because he's earned them.

Jeff from Seminole, FL

Assuming Malik Willis leaves in free agency next year, are Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma good enough for backups next year and could they keep one on the reserve list, and do you think the one left out would be worthy of a spot?

Bro, I'm just trying to get through training camp in 2025. If you're on the team next Wednesday in any capacity, you're part of the Packers' plans.

George from North Mankato, MN

Seems like there could be a fine line between a player showing out for a spot on the initial 53 and putting enough on film to play their way off the practice squad and on to another's 53. What have the Packers done to keep an unknown talent from the clutches of others?

There's only so much you can do. At the end of the day, young players must play in these preseason games. First, the Packers need a proper evaluation on them. Second, the were 29 players down on Saturday. Somebody's gotta play. The only time I think teams truly could "hide" talent was during the 2020 season when there were no preseason games.

Jim from Tucson, AZ

Please explain how moving the ball to the 35-yard line this year vs. 30 last year will work to increase the number of returns.

Because teams are less likely to just kick it out of the end zone for a touchback. Indy was doing mortar kicks for most of Saturday.

Mark from De Pere, WI

Good morning. How much can you take away from a preseason game when one team's starters are playing another team's second- and third-stringers? That being said, after watching several games this weekend, the Packers seem to have a better group of backups than some teams picked to be better than them. Injuries can make a big difference in this league.

I take a lot from it. Somebody asked a couple weeks ago about players who seized roster spots in the preseason finale and a big reason I picked Graham Harrell is because that performance in 2012 came against most of Kansas City's starters. Outside of the penalties, Green Bay's reserves acquitted themselves well against the Colts' starters. I thought the defense, in particular, really battled. Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson weren't going through the motions. Both QBs want to start Week 1.

Craig from Canada
In II, Tyron Herring was 6-1 and 236 pounds. I was surprised for a CB. Official listing on the website is 236. NFL and combine info listed him at 202. A packers.com story earlier lists him as 202. I know players put on weight and sometimes team listings are aspirational, but 34 pounds in a summer for an already big corner seems more like a LB. Can you check on that?

I investigated this Monday and it's a computer issue with the league. Herring should be listed at 201 pounds. We haven't seen a 30-pound spike like that around here since my 2015 season…and unfortunately that was no data error.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

I don't know about you guys, but I don't think I would have the guts to give a chewing to Anthony Belton. I would be pretty scared chewing out a guy 6-6 and 335 pounds. How about you?

I'm scared to chew out my 8-pound cat, let alone one of the biggest and most athletic human beings in our country.

Fredrick from Okatie, SC

A lot of the ballhandlers wear gloves. Wouldn't it make sense for the QB to wear a glove on their non-passing hand? It could offer a little protection and maybe add some ball-holding security.

To each their own – and some QBs certainly do wear a glove – but personally I feel like it dulls one of your senses. It's like card breakers who wear gloves when opening packs. I'd be extra careful and get a feel for the card…or football.

Rick from Shawano, WI

Do you know what practices are like in the two weeks leading up to the home opener? Do they go full speed 11-on-11 with contact and tackling? Or is it more conditioning, non-contact position drills and walkthroughs looking at scouted looks of the upcoming opponent? Two weeks seems like an awfully long time to possibly incur more injuries, or it could be good for healing up. I have read that the Packers will have "several practices" the week after the last preseason games.

That two-week window will be an extension of in-season practices with no live tackling. I'm not even sure next week's can be in pads, actually. Even if it's shells, those practices are critical for the Packers to get everything dialed in before Detroit and Washington.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

Another aspect of the "fewer preseason games, more regular-season games" argument is the quality of play early season. If we eliminate too many practices, don't we run the risk of having (even) lesser quality play in September?

Possibly…but that may not matter to the NFL. There's more money (e.g. TV deals, tickets, etc.) in regular-season football. I just don't want the league to lose the plot. That's all. The preseason is where the Sam Shields, Tramon Williams and Donald Drivers of the world all got their start.

Al from Green Bay, WI

You can't keep them all…But we've seen some quality depth from the running backs. Is it your expectation that there will be two RBs on the practice squad?

Quite possible. Since the expansion to 16 players, it's not uncommon for the Packers to double-up on practice-squad running backs. It also may depend on how much time Lloyd misses here.

TK from Grafton, WI

Are you boys settled into your daily routines yet? Or is it preseason for you, as well?

The routine doesn't start until after the preseason.

Jeff from Waterford, WI

Do the teams have to get down to 53 before or after the last preseason game?

After. More specifically, next Tuesday by 3 p.m. CT. We're almost there, folks. This is the final stretch to state your case.

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