Kurt from Germantown, TN

I read somewhere that there is no tree out back where you can find offensive linemen with a good shake, but apparently there is.

The Packers went deep into the Northwoods for this one.

Mark from Dallas, TX

In terms of prepping new OL to play when they change teams, mentioned there's "only so many schemes" up front, but on the other hand you hope your starting five can play the whole game, meaning they need to be ready for all situations, as opposed to a new RB or WR or DL where they could be ready for a specific package of plays that first game. How would you compare different positions in terms of being game-ready quickly?

The way I've always looked at it is the closer you are to the football, the easier it is to get up to speed. Communication can help speed everything up, especially when you're with the quarterback on the line of scrimmage. Laken Tomlinson and Kevin Zeitler also have collectively played like 25,000 offensive reps in the NFL. That's a lot of institutional knowledge on what it takes to thrive in the NFL.

Doug from Goshen, IN

Hello Insider Inbox, with all the recent hullabaloo of the Atlanta game, I can understand both sides of the fence. I was actually in attendance at that game, although disappointing, it wasn't the worst that I've ever seen. I know that no math is allowed but currently we are 16th on offense, 24th on defense and seventh on special teams. Three games does not a season make I firmly believe we all just need to chill out and RELAX. Seems like Gutey and MLF are addressing the issues. Can we weather the storm?

It can't be said the Packers are resting on their laurels. They needed help and Brian Gutekunst found it. Looking at all these new additions, I feel like the Packers got what they needed.

Steven from Studio City, CA

The whole mess the O-line appears to have been coming out the gate, I have two questions. Since our coaches and GM are supposed to be experts, and that's why they are in the positions they are in, how is it possible not one of them could foresee the incoming disaster on the horizon? And, where's the accountability? Is it a non-owner thing? I would think if we had an owner, a couple of coaches would've already been shown the door.

Because Aaron Banks was healthy during the offseason program and Zach Bako-Bewele returned on schedule. The Packers invested heavily in those two players and rightfully so. When healthy, those are Green Bay's two best linemen. You can't expect veteran free agents to sign here in the offseason just to back them up. Banks and ZBB unfortunately got hurt. The Packers needed to adjust and here we are.

Jon from Temecula, CA

I am happy with the O-line additions. I think much of the frustration was carried over from woes of our O-line at the end of 2025. It wasn't just losing; it was the feeling of a problem not being addressed. Even if the players don't fix the line, at least it shows a new approach. Hoping that "our guys" get healthy or develop more was my issue. I learned in the Marine Corps "HOPE IS NOT A PLAN." Maybe this plan doesn't work out, but it's better than hope, and I'm good with that as progress.

There's value in bringing in veterans with some pelts on the wall. Tomlinson praised the young guys, particularly Jager Burton, for asking questions since he got here. It reminds me of 2017 when a young Packers offensive line greatly benefited from Jahri Evans' season in Green Bay. David Bakhtiari, Lucas Patrick, Lane Taylor and Justin McCray all spoke about what they learned from Evans that season. Hopefully, there's knowledge there with Tomlinson and Co. that Burton and the room can draw from.

Kyle from Pittsburgh, PA

An Inboxer referenced the Packers are "more talented" than the Vikings and Bears. I was thinking the same thing, which justifies my disappointment so far this year. But I asked myself why do I think we are more talented. Early in the season, the team's fans spent an offseason getting to know and like their own players. Maybe too much? Is it possible we are just overvaluing our roster from top to bottom? We obviously have several very good players. But what about the weak links?

Simple. I think the Packers' best players are better than the other NFC North teams' best players. But it takes all 48 on the gameday roster and that's a recipe Green Bay is still working to figure out – some of which is tied to injuries.

Judy from Brodhead, WI

So disappointed for Jayden Reed to miss the entire season, but hopefully he'll be back next year. Sending prayers and best wishes for a full recovery. We already miss him.

It's heart-wrenching, but I'm just glad Reed is OK. He's already been through so much off the field over the past year. Hopefully, the neck surgery goes well, and Reed is able to resume his NFL career if he so chooses. He's a talented young man and a pro in the locker room. Wishing him well through his whole process.

Mike from New York, NY

Every NFL player is a 1-of-1. No player can perfectly fit the shoes of another player. With Reed out for potentially some time, who do we currently have on the roster that has shown he can become a threat in the midfield other than Tucker Kraft? Reed is elite and missing his skills would be a challenge for any team.

The sum of the whole – from Christian Watson and Matthew Golden to Skyy Moore, Bo Melton, J. Michael Sturdivant and the tight end room. The situation is far from ideal, but it's not hopeless.

Robert from Verona, WI

Tough to lose Jayden Reed for the year but praying for his long-term health regardless of whether or not he returns to the football field. It sounds like Skyy Moore will likely get some additional reps for now, but I'm excited to see how Savion Williams will be used when he returns. It seems like his presence could help both our passing game and running game. Do you think Williams can be a difference maker upon his return?

Williams is another guy who can help fill Reed's void, but he remains on injured reserve and cannot practice until after the Buccaneers game.

Rick from Trempealeau, WI

I've been waiting somewhat...OK, maybe NOT exactly, patiently for Tucker Kraft to make the opposing defense pay in a big way. I think this week will be it. Do you feel lucky? Go ahead, crowd the line of scrimmage. "Make my day."

Hopefully, this is Kraft's week. I know everyone wants big numbers right away, but it's been a year-long process to get him on the field again. The good news is Kraft is healthy and hungry to produce.

Dave from Gwinn, MI

Kevin Zeitler and Laken Tomlinson played briefly in Detroit. Do either of you pay much attention to Packers' opponent's offensive linemen? Any idea who may be able to contribute soonest or who has the most left in the tank? Mekhi Becton Sr.?

I have a lot of respect for the Lions' offensive line over the past decade and obviously both Tomlinson (2015-16) and Zeitler (2024) have been on both sides of it. Both are Pro Bowl players who have evolved their game as they've gotten older whereas it still feels like Becton is finding where he fits in the NFL, which ultimately may be guard, too.

Aaron from Dayton, MN

How long does it take for the new offensive linemen to get up to speed?

Not long. It wouldn't surprise me if Tomlinson plays Sunday, especially if Banks and Jacob Monk can't go.

Matt from Sioux Falls, SD

Do you ever recall a time in Packers history where the team signed three veteran players to one position group midseason?

It happens more than you think in the NFL. Maybe just not as often here. The Packers were plugging and playing different defensive linemen on a weekly basis after injuries hit last season. But the first thing that came to mind for me was 2012 when the Packers ran into a ton of issues at running back and brought in Cedric Benson, Ryan Grant (again), DuJuan Harris and Johnny White.

Joyce from Madison, WI

Reed is on IR. That sucks. How is the punt squad doing? Do you think they have punt blocking fixed?

If you ever want to see the difference special teams can make in a football game, just re-watch that Minnesota-Tampa game. I'm sure Cam Achord and his assistants have a plan to attack Tampa's punt coverage after the Buccaneers allowed that 86-yard return for a touchdown. The Packers have a good thing going so far with Skyy Moore and they're gonna need him Sunday.

Nate from Hartford, WI

By historical standards, without the seventh playoff seed starting in 2020, the Packers would have missed the playoffs each of the past four seasons (maybe I'm living in the past). When comparing the LaFleur-Love era with the prior 25 years of Packers football, now entering their fourth season together, I'm struggling to see development and progress. Where should I look to find big-picture positives during this difficult stretch?

Find it wherever you want to look, Nate, but the seventh-seed narrative is so lazy considering A) that's how the playoffs are structured now and B) it fails to recognize how the Packers chose to rest starters rather than toil for the No. 6 seed in 2024.

Brian from Guntersville, AL

Hey II, I was curious about how the equipment side of things works when free agents get signed? Do they have jerseys and pads in all sizes just ready to go? It seems like it went very quickly from signing to practicing in the green and gold.

The equipment department has a big ole room with big ole helmets, big ole pads and big ole cleats. If they don't have something, they can get it faster than Spoff can nab a lunch from the refrigerator.

Tallon from Castle Rock, CO

I enjoy looking at the photos the team puts out of the players heading towards the airport each week. One thing I have noticed is that the rookies are normally carrying a crazy amount of brown bags with them. I assume it to be a tradition of sorts. Do you know what is in the bags, and what the story behind it is?

They grab food for the vets.

Dennis from De Pere, WI

The water temperature at Sheboygan is 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Is this the same Wes who was hankering for a cold plunge tub where the temp is in the 50s?

No, that would be the same Spoff who said, "The game and its officiating are slanted toward offense" who was then confused for Wes and his cold tub.

Brad from Bozeman, MT

Hi Wes. Big game Friday night. No. 2 Bay Port Pirates vs. No. 5 West De Pere Phantoms. Playoff implications are on the line. Will you be taking Ma Hod and Inbox Junior back to the old stomping grounds for this northeast WI classic?

I don't think I'm going to be able to make it but Go Pirates!

Conrad from Winchester, OH

Do you have any control over the bogus fan sites that publish fake news? GPG.

I barely have control over our interns.

John from Columbia, TN

"Nobody feels 'great' about where they are across the league at this early stage. Some just feel less bad." Can you save that line and remind us of it, perhaps around Aug. 31, 2027?

Duly noted.

Chad from Wisconsin Rapids, WI

I've been watching football long enough to say that I have a feeling that we will all be here at the end of December saying, "Remember how it felt like the sky was falling back in September? Seems like a lifetime ago," just after we clinch our playoff spot.

Because September requires a response, not panic.

Bob from Abilene, TX

A comment regarding Case Keenum. His dad and I went to college together and I have watched Case grow up, officiated multiple games of his in HS and know him well. If Williams is out week next week and Case plays, we need to be ready. He showed what he could do on Monday night and it did not surprise me at all. I am actually surprised that he is the third QB given his history. He is a solid guy and well-respected around the league.

Not to put the Bear before the Buc here, but I have a great deal of respect for Case Keenum. His resume speaks for itself. If Keenum starts against Green Bay next week, I view him in the same light as any other starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL.

Jake from Madison, WI

I don't like how the Packers look. And I think there's plenty of blame to go around for that. BUT...in searching for a shovel to dig myself out of this pessimism, I went back to the NFL standings after Week 3 of last season. The Broncos were 1-2. The Panthers were 1-2. The Bears were 1-2. The Patriots, who made it all the way to the Super Bowl? You guessed it. 1-2. Fans watched every one of these teams in the playoffs. Let's...not give up? Maybe?

And the Texans are 0-3 again. Just win.

Daniel from Oro Valley, AZ

Now that the September unofficial preseason is over, here's to looking forward to the true football season. GM, coaches, players, owners, and fans see the issues and need to plan accordingly. Looking forward to what this team can accomplish. Just breathe.

As I wrote on Wednesday, everything is still out there for this team. But you gotta get going. Have a great Thursday.

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