Inbox: It is time for the final audition

Mike from Breezewood, PA

So, what's going to happen with Josh Jacobs?

The Packers released the following statement on Thursday afternoon: "We are aware of the charges brought against Josh Jacobs. We will continue to cooperate with the NFL as we work through the process. We will have no further comment at this time."

Yotam from New Zealand

Let's say the Packers cut Player A. He is picked up by the Vikings on waivers, whom we play a couple of weeks later. How much information can he give his new teams about our playbook/defensive tendencies? Are there any rules against this "espionage"?

Player A will know a thing or two about the playbook if he was paying attention this summer, but game-planning is a different deal. It's like seeing the menu compared to what's actually served at dinner. If there is an impact, I'd say it's minimal.

Herb from Mosier, OR

We all know the Packers will not play any starters Friday night. Therefore, who, in your opinion, are the O-line, TE, D-line and edge starters vs. the Cardinals?

The No. 2 line has mostly been John Williams, Jager Burton, Jacob Monk, Donovan Jennings and Anthony Belton. If all the veterans sit on the D-line, then it could be Chris McClellan, Jonathan Ford, and Anthony Campbell with Barryn Sorrell and Brenton Cox Jr. at edge. I assume Josh Whyle and Drake Dabney open at tight end.

Matthew from Racine, WI

Who do you think will start opposite of Lukas Van Ness while Micah Parsons is out with injury? Barryn Sorrell seems like the obvious choice, but I know that the new DC has been putting Edgerrin Cooper in as an outside pass rusher.

Cooper is just a rotational piece. He's still a linebacker. Sorrell most likely will start opposite Van Ness. I may not even have listed him in the previous answer if Green Bay was a tad healthier at edge. But Arden Walker just got here, Arron Mosby missed one practice with an illness and Collin Oliver hasn't played since injuring his calf in Denver.

Jeff from New Richmond, WI

Can you give us an idea on what a joint practice looks like? In the joint practices, do the teams do indy drills together or one-on-ones, do coaches from either team coach up other teams' players on technique, or is it just a scrimmage?

The Packers and Cardinals did individuals separately, most of which happened at the start of practice. Green Bay was on Nitschke Field while Arizona started on Hinkle. After individuals were over, Arizona walked through the Hutson Center and over to Nitschke for two special teams periods before 11-on-11 between the offense and defense.

Dale from Cherry Valley, IL

What does the practice schedule look like between the last preseason game and the first regular-season game?

No clue now that final cuts are Sunday. When cuts were on Tuesdays, the Packers would take a long weekend and then practice Wednesday after the roster and practice squad are set. Maybe they hit the field a day or two early now. I'm not sure, but the team will practice in some fashion next week.

Jim from Escanaba, MI

Learning the final roster cut date has been moved up from Tuesday to Sunday was a surprise. When considering the 53-man roster the difficult decisions really come down to 6-10 players. Three specialists are locked in (K, P, LS). Of the 50 spots, 44 are basically locked in. Eleven starters and 11 backups on offense and defense. That leaves six spots. The numbers at specific position groups gets debated which makes the ultimate difficult decisions between 6-10 guys. Talk about a life-changing decision!

Moving cutdowns to Sunday was a terrible idea on the league's part. It makes no sense. I would think there will be a few nicks and bruises this final week that could jeopardize a player's eligibility to be waived and signed to a practice squad if they can't pass a physical the day after they play a game. Like what's the rush? The Austraila game? Nobody seemed to care about the international opener when the Packers opened the season in Brazil two years ago.

Peder from Sevastopol, WI

With the way he is batting down footballs during the preseason, how did Anthony Campbell fare in college? Was he the Sultan of Swat?

That's the most fascinating part about Campbell's story. He barely played after transferring to Miami in 2023. Campbell saw action in nine games, compiling a half sack that doubled as his only assisted tackle in two seasons. True to form, though, Campbell had a pass deflection.

Mark from Garden City, ID

With the family affair of the LaFleurs and Meltons during the joint practice, what are the Cardinals' II writers (who I assume are Ike Spofford and Tess Hodkiewicz) saying is a successful season for the Cardinals? They have a new coach and young talent, but are looking up the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers.

The NFC West is gonna be a tough road to hoe, but I liked what I saw from Mike LaFleur's team on Wednesday. The Cardinals are a hungry bunch. To me, a successful season for Arizona would be getting closer to .500 again while developing the young talent on that roster, beginning with Jeremiyah Love and Marvin Harrison Jr.

Traci from Green Bay, WI

What do the Packers think of the schedule for this season?

The NFC North also will be treacherous, but this is a championship-caliber roster, and I like the way the overall schedule lays out for the Packers. They have a real opportunity to build momentum out of the gate.

Jim from West Hills, CA

I really appreciate the Inbox and the related stories getting us ready for another season of Packer football. Personally, I don't understand all of the comments and concern over the QB2 situation. Tyrod Taylor is a proven veteran that has won games in the NFL while Kyle McCord is an unproven player. For a team vying for a Super Bowl, the choice is simple and let's face it, if we are talking too much about either player once the season begins GB is going to be some trouble regardless. Let's get out of the gates strong.

I'm just telling you how it is. Tyrod Taylor wasn't signed to compete for a roster spot. He was brought here because of his 16 years of NFL experience. Two years ago, Malik Willis bailed out Green Bay in a big way after the battle between Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt didn't produce a primary backup. The Packers don't want to go down that road again. McCord has had an intriguing offseason, but Taylor is the insurance policy until the Packers prove otherwise.

Tony from Davenport, IA

On cutdown day, who informs the players that they are cut? Is it the GM or HC? How is it done, in person or some other form of communication? That has to be a tough day for all involved.

It is sad but remember cuts happen 365 days a year. It's just part of the business. Like Tucker Kraft said a few days ago, NFL locker rooms are revolving doors. Everyone has a role on cutdown, but some coaches and scouts have closer relationships with certain players, so it's sometimes better for everyone involved to have that individual relaying the bad news. On a more positive note, they also get to let guys know they made the team, too. It's a bittersweet part of the personnel process.

Jeff from Albuquerque, NM

Wonderful story from Wes on the coaching legacy of the family LaFleur. And now Mike and Matt go head-to-head on Friday. Kudos on some fine word-smithing from the Hod.

Thank you for checking it out, Jeff. It was a fun one to write and felt like the sequel to the profile I wrote on Matt after he was hired in 2019. It's also cool Denny has been able to enjoy retirement in this capacity after his own coaching career required him and the family to make so many sacrifices.

Steve from Cedar Falls, IA

Based on the new TE signing, do you think Luke Musgrave's injury is career threatening?

The last we heard Matt LaFleur thought Musgrave's situation "will work itself out," but it won't be short term. I assume Musgrave will start the season on the physically unable to perform list while the Packers await a resolution. In the meantime, Green Bay reportedly has signed Jonnu Smith – giving LaFleur a veteran one season removed from a Pro Bowl appearance who can play that critical H-back role within this offense. It only makes sense.

Rich from Las Vegas, NV

I find it telling that a particular host is praising the rivalry jersey while simultaneously downplaying many fans' feelings over green socks versus white. Sock color is a preference, not a right or wrong proposition, and the rivalry uniform is a marketing tactic used to draw more fan interest and increase jersey sales. Now let's move on to shoelaces already.

OK.

Dave from Gwinn, MI

Have you seen Detroit's Rivalries uniforms? They look like the Carolina Panthers.

I have and they do.

Craig from Suamico, WI

Regarding players going back to college, it was mentioned that they should join a practice squad or developmental league. I was curious if college would be a better fallback simply because that's where NFL players develop before the draft. I'd also think the coaches in college would be a higher quality than the other developmental leagues. Now that getting paid in college is a possibility, I think it might be the best option.

I see it like this – if you feel going back to college is a better move financially than forging ahead in the professional ranks, then the NFL might not be in your future. This league isn't interested in players looking for a way out. It wants players looking for a way forward.

Jim from Prairie du Chien, WI

Good morning, all! Congrats to Edgerrin Cooper for his community service award. The Exceptional Equestrian info. reminded me of what my Uncle Vern used to tell me about ice fishing. He always said, "Two inches of ice will hold a team of horses." My reply, "Not my horses." Wes's article showed several Packers with Coop at Exceptional Equestrian which begs the question, would you let Nazir Stackhouse up on one of your horses?

Maybe after his playing days are over.

Dennis from De Pere, WI

Why didn't Wes wake up in time? Snooze alarm? AM/PM?

Well, I did fall asleep like two hours earlier. That playoff game in Arizona was a night game and I was working into the early morning hours.

David from Chestertown, MD

Felicitations one and all! I've been keeping an eye on some former Packers including Dontayvion Wicks, who looks to be making noise in camp and may start as the WR2 in Philly's offense. It was tough letting him go but I wish him all the best. Do you think he has the skills to jump to the next level of performance? Anyhow, GPG vs AZ.

Wicks has a very bright future, but realistically he was only going to play in Green Bay one more year. The Packers did what was best for Wicks (who signed a one-year extension with Philly) and the team (who received two draft picks for next year rather than having to wait until 2028 for a compensatory selection).

Mike from United States

Did you see the interview with Za'Darius Smith, where he was discussing his return to football and the reasons for his retirement? Losing his family members was tough on him. I'm glad to see him back where he belongs.

I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Smith. I can't imagine how painful the past year must have been for him. After signing a contract with the Packers in 2019, Smith planned for his mom to retire, but she wanted to keep working. That speaks volumes about her character. May she rest in peace.

Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA

"...Wake up. Season's here." – Tucker Kraft. Now THAT'S a T-shirt! Thanks for getting our blood pumping with your article, Weston.

We are so close.

Markus from Aurora, CO

Are you ready for the home preseason game? Before we know it, it will be "cutting time" ...

It is time for the final audition. I can't wait to see how it plays out. Enjoy the game, everyone.

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