Inbox: The only way to know is to try

Derek from Sheboygan, WI

How has training camp been in regard to intensity?

Yes.

Ross from Summerville, SC

Gents, how do think the WR battles are shaping up thus far?

Ultra-competitive, as expected. Matthew Golden is pushing the pack while Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed have been their usual, consistent selves at the top of the depth chart. Sam Brown Jr., Golden's former Houston teammate, keeps finding ways to get noticed for the right reasons, too. It seems like every practice he's making at least one catch that makes you go, "Oh."

James from Appleton, WI

I am excited following your coverage of the receivers, but in the back of my mind I am thinking, "AND Christian Watson." I picture his eventual return as the Packers' equivalent of Inigo Montoya saying, "I am not left-handed!"

We have a long way to go until Watson is cleared, but I can't help but think about the type of boost the fourth-year wideout could give the Packers once he returns.

Dale from Prescott, WI

Please tell me there seem to be fewer drops by the receivers so far in camp. I know it's not the real McCoy yet but steady improvement there will help this offense more than anything this year, and that's no baloney!

There seem to be fewer drops by the receivers so far in camp.

Brent from Canada

Hi guys, I know it's early in camp, but how has Barryn Sorrell looked? Inspiring young man and hoping for him to be successful and contribute this year. Cheers.

There's an obvious skill set there, but I think the secret sauce with Sorrell is his work ethic and character. He reminds me of Rashan Gary in that way when the Packers drafted him in 2019. You can feel how badly Sorrell wants this. As director – football operations Milt Henderickson said, Sorrell's temperament will allow him to play as long as he wants in the NFL if he stays healthy.

Darrel from Pueblo, CO

II, with more focus on "punching" the ball out when tackling, is there any penalty for being overaggressive and missing the ball and punching the ball carrier? Seems like a potential mugging should get penalized at some point.

No, I think the main deterrent is the possibility of missing the tackle. That's why fundamentals are so important in regards to how defenders attack the football.

Ross from Hudson, WI

Which returning Packer looks most substantively improved from last year so far in camp?

Brenton Cox Jr.

Gail from Clarksville, TN

I love a feel-good story so I've been closely following Bo Melton's training camp. Three coaches today talked about not only his physical skills but what a tremendous person he is. A player's character does seem to be a strong consideration for the Packers and I hope it stays that way. Could it be that the Packers are giving Bo every opportunity to make the team by moving him to corner?

Perhaps, but I also think now is the time to try something new. The Packers have seen what Melton can do at receiver, an admittedly stacked position right now. While Melton welcomes that competition with open arms, Green Bay mulled this move since it signed Melton away from Seattle in 2022. At the end of the day, the only way to know is to try and Melton is giving it everything he's got right now. As I've said repeatedly, he also has special teams in his back pocket, too.

Braylon from Elkhorn, NE

Is Xavier McKinney performing well in training camp?

"X" is still "X." He had one of the most beautiful interceptions you'll ever see on a practice field Tuesday.

Mike from Lake Villa, IL

Mike mentioned that Kenny Clark leads by example, and he'll show any young player how to succeed in the league. At training camp this past Friday with my daughter, we both saw how Kenny was demonstrating technique and footwork to Nazir Stackhouse during D-line drills. It sure is nice having veteran players like Clark willing to share their wisdom with the younger players. It's almost like having a second coach on the field.

Stackhouse could not ask for a better mentor than Clark. He's experienced, approachable and always willing to pay it forward. I think Green Bay might have found something in Stackhouse, too. It's only one week, but he's made a ton of plays with the No. 3 unit.

John from New York, NY

Headed into the season, what is your biggest concern about this team? Mine is the secondary. Xavier McKinney can only do so much. What say you?

The schedule. The Packers are a deep and talented football team, but a treacherous gauntlet awaits them. I'm good with the secondary. If the opener were tomorrow, I'd feel confident Green Bay can go seven deep with Javon Bullard, Zayne Anderson and Carrington Valentine all capable of playing every down in nickel. There's a ton of talent behind that group, as well.

Jeff from Corvallis, OR

What do you see from Kitan Oladapo? He seemed to be getting more playing time toward the end of last season. Is he continuing to improve in camp?

He looks the part. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see much of him last summer because of the foot injury. I thought Oladapo flashed when given opportunities down the stretch last season, though. He's tall but can sink his hips and finish through the ball carrier. Preseason will be major for him.

Bruce from Jackson, WI

Following up on Mike's response to Dustin from KC, is our defense bluffing looks and shifting guys around to force our offense to adjust and make pre-snap checks and such during training camp? In other words, besides the players, are the offensive and defensive coordinators matching wits and strategies at every practice? Seems I heard once, "Practice like you play." GPG!

The standard's the standard, right? No different than the offensive and defensive players testing each other, the Packers' coaching staff throws occasional curveballs at each other, too, in the spirit of creative competition. It not only makes each unit better but also it gives Matt LaFleur, Jeff Hafley and Adam Stenavich a better idea of which concepts work, which need adjustments and perhaps which plays to leave on the meeting room floor.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

What is the most interesting training camp moment you've ever witnessed? Whether it was a spectacular play, a player interaction, or just something completely unexpected.

I say it every year – Aaron Rodgers' no-look touchdown to Geronimo Allison. There isn't a close second for me during my 14 years covering the Packers on a full-time basis.

Roger from McGrath, AK

AI tells me that centers' careers are shorter than any other position. I'm guessing the lowest-paid lineman spot is easier to replace with young talent and more talented players gravitate to the outside (Elgton Jenkins being an exception). Can you think of another, better explanation for short center careers?

I'm not buying what AI is selling. Maybe the stats bear that out, but I could name a dozen centers who have played 12-plus seasons off the top of my head.

Bill from Crystal Lake, IL

In regards to Matt from Bloomington's comment about most memorable preseason moment: Mine is more of a nightmare than fond memory and it's when Jordy went down in '15 against the Steelers. Even though the Packers still made the playoffs that year it just felt like a lost season from the start without Jordy. I think that just speaks to the chemistry he and AR12 had and the damage that everyone knew they could do together.

What made the Nelson injury so tough to take was the fact it came seven months after the NFC title game in Seattle. There's never a good time to lose a playmaker like Nelson, but his ACL tear felt like a second direct kick to the stomach. The McCarthy era was never quite the same after that injury, too. The Packers rallied for strong finishes in 2015 and 2016, but no longer were the Super Bowl favorites they were from 2011-14.

Jack from Chicago, IL

Not to dunk on John from McHenry but I'm tired of the clamoring for preseason play. That's like saying I really should drive around the block one more time before my driving test this afternoon despite knowing there could be nails on the road from the construction down the street. Is that super basic exercise going to help me or is it really about the 100 hours logged studying and practice driving in different scenarios all across the area?

It's the question that never goes away, but what happened at the beginning of last season with Jordan Love and Clark reinforces why I'm fine with stars and established starters not playing in the preseason. Because it's not only the danger of losing a Jordy Nelson for an entire season. It's also guys suffering injuries that could affect them for an extended period. These guys work tirelessly to prepare their bodies for a 17-game regular season. I want them as close to 100% as possible in Week 1.

Harry from Bessemer, MI

With MarShawn Lloyd injured, who moves into the second and third role during practice and possibly preseason? Who are the RBs fighting for a chance to make the team?

With Lloyd sidelined, we definitely saw more Emanuel Wilson with the ones on Tuesday.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, Brian Gutekunst mentioned in his press conference the intensity of Family Night and the benefit of that glorified practice under the lights. Do you see the same value in the event? I have always considered it more a PR event and a concession to the fan base to show appreciation.

It's a huge deal on so many levels. Like Tucker Kraft said in Tuesday's locker room, this might be the only opportunity for some Packers fans to get into Lambeau Field this season. It's also a great way for young players to dip their toes in the NFL waters before playing big minutes in the three preseason games. I've said it before, I'll say it again, Family Night is my favorite part of training camp. It's a pivotal checkpoint in this long journey to Week 1.

Tim from Olathe, KS

Insiders, Jennifer from Middleton, WI, has a valid concern about Nate Hobbs' overly physical play leading to red flags this season. IMO it's not apples and orangutans; it's you practice how you play. Mike Daniels had this issue, and it cost us dearly in "the game that shall not be discussed." How can you just blow it off as nothing?

Because there's no history there. Hobbs is one of the least penalized defensive backs in all of football. It's not like he's running around like Brandon Meriweather trying to take everyone's head off. Hobbs plays to the whistle. When the actual games are played, you'll see what I'm talking about.

Dale from Aurora, CO

There are a few sports media entities putting out news on LaFleur's anger about Rasheed Walker's antics and the players joining him on his punishment lap. Embellishing the event to be more serious than it probably is. Care to give II readers some credible news on that subject?

Today's news media would've had a field day with Forrest Gregg in the 1980s. To pull an old Aaron Rodgers idiom, I'd say this whole thing is a big nothingburger. What happened on Tuesday was simply an NFL head coach holding his starting left tackle accountable. Everyone in that locker room gets that.

Steve from Bloomington, IL

Wes, you mentioned that Rasheed Walker and Kingsley Enagbare were former locker-mates. Did they share a single physical locker? Does this happen only during the 90-man roster period? How many separate lockers are in the new locker room?

Sorry, I meant their lockers were directly next to each other in the Packers' old locker room.

Anthony from Green Bay, WI

Wes, before we start gearing up you have to tell us the story behind "The 60 Yard Line." Why did you end up not doing it? Were you going to be one of the reporters in the basement? I need to know.

"The 60 Yard Line" was the straw that broke my back in the newspaper industry. I'll never forget the day I ran back to the Press-Gazette after Packers locker room to write my story for the day, and they were shooting the movie in our increasingly barren newsroom. I walked up the stairs to the third floor and was immediately met by a half-clothed woman walking into the newsroom for a scene they were shooting. While writing, all I kept thinking was I'd hit rock bottom. I rolled the dice on becoming a sportswriter and lost. I had to sign some papers in case my likeness was used but thankfully I didn't make the cut. I never saw the movie. Respectfully, I never will.

Richard from Greenwich, NY

You guys really up your game this time of the season: "Live Look-in," "Three Things," "Inbox" and "Unscripted," plus features. Many thanks for feeding the insatiable beast.

Paychecks don't write themselves.

Dave from Peshtigo, WI

On Tuesday Wes said "I'd probably ride with the same kiddo every day. I like familiarity – but I don't think there's any right or wrong way to go about it." It's been years since I would take days off work and drive to GB with my two boys and their bikes. One of those times Ahman Green chose my son and that memory still gets brought up several times every year. Sometimes a player's choice creates a lifetime memory. Both ways show what a great group of people the players are.

That's the beauty of training camp in Green Bay. Hopefully, it stays that way forever. Have a great Thursday.

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