Ken from New York, NY

I'm still hopeful that Clayton Tune will help us end the regular season on a high note.

I almost ended the column right here.

Jeff from Pleasant Hill, IA

"Tune" in Sunday?

OK, OK, OK…puns aside, I can't wait to see it. Tune is a young quarterback who came here looking for opportunity and Green Bay provided it in gold trim. It won't be easy against Brian Flores' front, but it never is. You gotta capitalize. While Tune is the most obvious storyline given the nature of his position, there are two dozen young players like him who'll get reps Sunday they might not otherwise see in the playoffs. I can't wait to watch the likes of Matthew Golden, Collin Oliver, Brenton Cox Jr., Ty'Ron Hopper, Bo Melton, Jonathan Ford and Kitan Oladapo get more work. I get it's not a traditional Week 18 matchup, but Sunday's game is what the NFL is all about: Opportunity.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

Can it really be possible for the Packers to rest most of the main players for the last game of the season and come back and play at the first game of the playoffs against either team that they already lost to at least once?

Yes.

Ben from Pittsfield, MA

Best scenario/outcome from the Vikings game?

Get out healthy of U.S. Bank Stadium healthy. The rest is extra credit at this point.

Kerry from Canyon Lake, TX

Packers currently sit at three straight losses. We sit our starters at MN for a fourth straight loss (I get the health thing). Then we head into a playoff road game which is likely a loss. Is that how we want to end the season? Five straight losses. Play our team and beat the Vikings! Just a thought.

The final outcome of Sunday's game is irrelevant if the Packers don't win in the wild-round round. With all the injuries Green Bay has suffered this season, I'd say resting key players in an irrelevant game in regards to the standings puts the Packers in the best position to move forward in the postseason. The Packers haven't had much luck in the good fortune dept., but this is a chance to rest up and the closest thing they're gonna get to a reprieve.

Jason from Boyle, MS

Nice addition with Trevon Diggs. Nice to see these moves being made for a playoff run with all the injuries we have right now. Change is inevitable.

Sometimes the next man up is somebody no one expected. Green Bay has lost a lot through the course of this season, but Thursday felt like it gained something back. Let's see what the Packers and Diggs make of it.

Scot from Rice Lake, WI

I feel Trevon Diggs signing reminds me of Andre Rison signing late in season. Andre filled a void we had on a previous run to the top, could Trevon fire up an injury-riddled defense?

While it wasn't the playoffs, I think back to the boost Rasul Douglas gave the Packers back in 2021. There were serious questions about what would happen at cornerback after losing Jaire Alexander for the remainder of the regular season to the shoulder injury. Douglas solved all of that. As Spoff outlined, this is the perfect time for the Packers and Diggs to unite. Both need something from the other. It goes without saying Diggs has the ball skills to make his presence felt on defense immediately if given the opportunity.

Dave from Wheaton, IL

Not a question, but here's hoping that Diggs is this year's Howard Green, but with a better fitting uniform.

Diggs looked good in that "28" in practice. Hopefully, it fits well this Sunday.

Joe from Dartford, UK

Just watched the Trevon Diggs locker room interview and wow, he interviewed well. He came across as a humble, unassuming guy who wants to help this team. I don't know where the "bad attitude" chat comes from. Were you impressed by his interview? Also, does he slot in as our No. 2 corner or is that too much to ask, too soon? Thanks II for all you do.

We'll see where he fits on defense. I am hopeful Diggs has picked up enough of the scheme to get in there Sunday. But I was super impressed with how Diggs has conducted himself – not only with us but also just seeing him interact with teammates and coaches at practice and in the locker room.

Herbert from Palm Desert, CA

Good morning, Wes. I've seen several comments questioning the character of Trevon Diggs. If Micah Parsons considers him a brother, that's good enough for me. For you as well?

I couldn't give two sheets of loose-leaf paper what social media has to say on many things, but especially as it pertains to individuals I cover. Because I'm gonna get that answer soon enough. Reputations may precede people, but it doesn't define them. For all the couch critics of Parsons when the Packers traded for him, I've found Micah to be nothing but thoughtful and respectful since he's gotten here. He thinks the world of Diggs. I'll take his word over user34235624 with 10,000 comments and six followers.

Logan from Tribune, KS

Stylistically how does Diggs' skill set fit into Hafley's defense? How do you see them utilizing him down the stretch? A big ask for a corner to join the squad this late! Excited to see it play out. Go Pack Go!

We'll just have to find out either this Sunday or in the weeks that follow. What I do know is Hafley is one of the very best when it comes to determining what a player does well and building around those strengths within his scheme.

Ben from Cripple Creek, CO

If Rasheed Walker, Zach Tom, and Aaron Banks all do rest, it would be nice to get to see maybe Jordan Morgan at one of the T spots, and a couple other young players get some reps across the line. Good work with communication and fundamentals against this MIN team.

I would assume Morgan stays at the position he's been playing at right tackle. Maybe that changes if the Packers rest Walker, but again there's only so many players Green Bay can sit. Some veterans will have to play just based on the roster numbers.

Joseph from Duryea, PA

Where does the Pack rank on third-down defense efficiency? It's a killer every week. That is part of total defense, right?

The Packers fell to 18th (40.4%) after Baltimore went 10-of-14 (71.4%) last week. The defense has to get the train back on the tracks.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. There's been a lot of discussion lately about the lack of turnovers by the Packers' defense this season, especially when it was a point of emphasis during practices. I'm not sure if it's the other side of the same coin but the Packers rank near the top of the league in not missing tackles. Isn't that equally important? Thanks.

The Packers haven't generated enough turnovers this year. I'm not dismissing that. But one of the defense's biggest strengths this season has been eliminating explosive plays. Not missing tackles is a key part of that. At the same time, when you look at the games where the defense has struggled, it's been largely due to missed tackles and not capitalizing on takeaway opportunities. Green Bay needs to lock in on both areas to make a run this month.

Mark from Shoreview, MN

Just wondering, is there any way we could talk Malik Willis into wanting to play in the AFC next year?

I'd say that's preferable, but just hoping the best for Willis regardless of what happens. He's been a total pro and the best performing backup QB I've covered in Green Bay.

Michael from Shawano, WI

Gents, is it just me, or is this locker room one of the most cohesive, laid back, all business, positive, genuine, locked in, mature (for youngest team) teams in recent history?

It is and I think that continuity is what's propelled this team to the playoffs despite a rash of injuries to key players.

Robin from Ashburn, VA

What to expect against Vikings?

It'll be J.J. McCarthy under center and I imagine he'll want to end his first full season as Minnesota starting quarterback on a high note. The Vikings won't have T.J. Hockenson or Aaron Jones available, but that entire receiving corps will be there for McCarthy. As much as we talked about Brian Flores' defense presenting a stiff test to Tune and Co., the Packers' defenders have their work cut out for them, as well.

Troy from Ninety Six, SC

I'm curious about the contract status of Trevon Diggs and Desmond Ridder. Do they have years left on their contracts after this year or are they unrestricted free agents? If years left, I think that was a wise move by BG, offering flexibility at two key positions of need. If free agents, do they play into the compensatory pick formula seeing as they'll only have one game on the roster?

Ridder is on the practice squad, so the Packers will need to sign him to a futures contract to keep him around this offseason. The extension Diggs signed with Dallas runs through 2028 but there's no guaranteed money past this year.

Bart from Appleton, WI

Great job answering questions! As the playoffs are upon us, can you please explain the overtime rule about each team's possession of the ball. Say the Packers get the ball first, drive down and score a touchdown and chew up roughly eight minutes on the drive. Does the opponent get only the remaining time of the first overtime period, or does a second period kick in?

In the playoffs, overtimes consist of 15-minute periods until a winner is decided. Each team has three timeouts in a half (two overtime periods).

James from Chicago, IL

When a player is claimed off the waiver wire and is expected to play just a few days later, how does it work with HR? Do they have to come in right away and meet with HR, fill out their W-2, get their iPad and employee badge, get an orientation walk-through of the facility so they know where the copy machine, bathrooms, and locker rooms are?

The Packers' football operations have people for all that to make the transition as easy as possible for the player, whose agent also assists in those matters.

Derek from South Point, OH

Wes, I wrote in 2020 about Austen Pleasants, only the second student from where I teach to make the NFL. He was an undrafted FA. After bouncing around multiple teams since then, he has found a home in SF. He came in on Sunday when Trent Williams went down and played well, even getting a shout out during the locker room speech. He's getting praised for his work, especially coming in early this week. We are so proud of "Big Red." His is one of those wonderful stories you don't always hear.

You've given me a reason to pull for the Niners. Congrats on Austen's success.

Jessi from Sterling, KS

I wonder if Matt and Co. realize they have so much to thank you two for in at least keeping a portion of the Packer fans base somewhat sane. You help with objective perspective through the season (and offseason!). Probably not, but I wish someone would tell them how loved you two are! Speaking of that, thank you for the latest "Unscripted" and once again bringing me better perspective. I know you guys need a recoup time too, but in the offseason it's one of the things I miss the most every week.

You're the GOAT, Jessi. Thank you for reading, watching and also sending the wonderful Christmas card.

John from Belleview, FL

It's been said that the past cannot be changed, and the future cannot be known. That's why today is called the "present." So, let's treat each week's game as a present to be unwrapped and enjoyed. To do otherwise is asking for disappointment. Happy New Year to your entire team and thank you to all who contribute to this forum that keeps the "social" in "social media."

And that same social department included me in its Instagram meme post on Friday. There aren't many firsts anymore in this job, but that's one of 'em.

Kathryn from Greenville, WI

Is there any song more annoying than "Skol, Vikings Skol"?

"Rockstar" by Nickelback (this Q&A was published for you and you alone, Kim Ippolito).

Al from Green Bay, WI

In response to Bill from Raleigh (Tuesday's II column), I'll blow right past the "Tune-up" game vs. Minnesota and address his request. Reasons to believe the Pack can win the Super Bowl this year: 1) The 27-year-old Jordan Love is entering his prime, and he's good! 2) Jeff Hafley's defense has played well, despite the lack of turnovers. If that turnover faucet can be turned on, look out! 3) Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, etc. Playmakers across the board! 4) Josh Jacobs/Emanuel Wilson will provide the balanced attack. 5) While Week 18 isn't a bye, it's a chance for key players to get a needed reprieve and go into the playoffs healthy and rested. 6) With only one recent exception, GB has lost only the games in which they beat themselves. This is a talented team! 7) See "2010 Packers season." It's a great reminder that seeding only matters until the ball is kicked off! Let's do this thing! GPG!

I see the Packers giving themselves a chance to give themselves a chance. Take a breath and enjoy the game, everyone. We're gonna be on the edge of our seats the rest of the way.

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