Scott from Berrien Center, MI
Wait, what? "Non-football Packers question"? Now, you've done it, Mike! You've disturbed the whole space-time continuum, and life as we know it will never be the same. Dogs and cats living together. Wes? Weston?!
Enough! I get the point!
Sean from Chicago, IL
Good morning, Insiders! I've heard some really interesting bits on Edgerrin Cooper's deployment in the defense so far. I know it's been said that Zaire Franklin's arrival will "unlock" Coop, but whew am I excited to see what that looks like on gameday.
Franklin is a pitbull. He does not take plays off. He charges to fill gaps against the run and battles downfield in coverage. Franklin had one rep in team Sunday where he was in trail coverage down the seam against Josh Whyle, who has a good six inches on the linebacker. Still Franklin maintained proper leverage and gave Jordan Love no window to throw to. Cooper is a beast in his own right, and Jonathan Gannon knows it. He's going to be a big chess piece in this defense.
Mark from Shoreview, MN
I have the opinion that it's all about the supporting cast. Does this year's supporting cast, whoever they are, feel "better" than perhaps last year's?
I think so. It has a better blend of talent, experience and depth, which is why I find it confounding when pundits talk about how this year's team isn't as good as 2025. We'll have those answers soon enough in the form of wins and losses, but that argument makes absolutely no sense on paper – especially once Micah Parsons returns.
Tom from Oviedo, FL
OK, here's the plan for Game 1 against the Vikings: 6-foot-6 Anthony Campbell follows little Kyler Murray and knocks down all his passes. Starting with a victory is in the bag.
I mean, how cool is the Anthony Campbell story? This guy barely plays during his two years at Miami (Fla.). His half sack in eight games in 2024 doubled as his only tackle during his senior campaign. Still, Campbell gets his NFL shot and look what he's doing with it. He's now batted down four passes over the last three practices and has the locker room buzzing. Training camp is for the underdogs. That's what makes it so beautiful.
Steve from Ankeny, IA
Kevin from Bettendorf's comment about the Packers not "finishing" games at the end of the season has been discussed over and over. People seem to forget that a number of our best players were out at the end of the season (Tucker Kraft, Parsons, Jenkins, Zach Bako-Bewele, Devonte Wyatt). Certainly, this has something to do with those outcomes…
To me, finishing comes down three factors: Conditioning, willpower and production. It's knowing how to find the end zone and grinding toward that goal in the final 15 minutes of regulation. The Packers have done a ton of red-zone work through the first week of training camp. Whether that's a concerted emphasis or simply the layout, Green Bay is getting those reps in.
William from Indianapolis, IN
Just a comment on Kamal Hadden's injury and how thankful he was to everyone who helped him get back. I can relate because I had a medical issue back in late March that took me to rehab until last of April. I could not walk but everyone in rehab got me back and like Kamal I had a picture taken with me team also. So, I'm rooting for Kamal this year.
Hadden's injury and his response to the whole thing has been rather inspiring to witness. The guy gets the biggest opportunity of his career and snaps his ankle six plays later. Hadden had seven months to ask, "Why me?" but instead channeled all that energy into his comeback. I find Hadden an easy guy to root for. He's grateful for the opportunity the Packers provided him and wants to prove he was a worthwhile investment at cornerback.
Jaime from Nevis, MN
Which receiver of the "Big 3" will have the most yards this year?
Christian Watson will have the most receiving yards, Matthew Golden will have the most catches and Jayden Reed scores the most touchdowns. How's that for a prediction I'd rather not give?
Joe from Miami, FL
How are the other WRs looking after the departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks?
Guys are stepping up. Bo Melton and Will Sheppard made big catches during practice Monday. Savion Williams garnered praise from Larry McCarren for his blocking, which is a void Green Bay will need to fill without Doubs, Wicks and Malik Heath. Isaiah Neyor and J. Michael Sturdivant have made a ton of catches, too. I like how that room is shaping up behind the "Big 3." August is gonna be a lot of fun with all the competition brewing in the wideout room.
Ingrid from Hugo, MN
OK Weston, the Rock called you out, now we need to see a photo of your whole color-coordinated outfit.
Unfortunately, I wasn't flexible enough to get my green Nikes in the frame. I'll strain harder next time.
Jeff from Indian Lake, NY
Larry is a man after my own heart. A few weeks ago, I almost sent in a question regarding our lack of size at WR behind Watson. With how much our WR are asked to contribute to the run game, I thought we might be missing that Allen Lazard-type in the room. But then I remembered Savion Williams. Perfect way for him to earn snaps in this offense is to block guys into the sideline.
Williams can play "the goon" with his size. What adds a bit more intrigue than even Lazard is Williams' speed. In a perfect world, you put No. 83 on the field, and the defense doesn't know where Williams is lining up and what his responsibility will be on any given down. That's valuable.
Bill from Menominee, MI
Instead of the question "Will (insert receiver name here) have a 1,000-yard season?" What does a successful season look like from the collective group of pass catchers? How would it compare to the memorable groups such as Jennings, Jones, Jordy, Finley, Driver?
Victories – more than catches, more than yards and even more than touchdowns. That's what matters most. At the end of the day, how much did all that production translate into the win-loss column and did it help you achieve the ultimate goal?
Jeffery from Monticello, WI
Hi guys, curious how Chris McClellan is looking so far? After the draft I watched some video on him, and he looked to be a solid pass rusher from the inside.
I have a story posting this morning on packers.com about McClellan and his development so far. It would be simply lovely if you checked it out.
Doug from Neenah, WI
Good morning, Wes. When the Packers signed Kyron Drones as an undrafted free agent QB, some speculated he had the strongest arm in the draft class. Will he be allowed to fire off some "rocket balls" during Family Night or will they limit the throws to higher completion % bubble screens, short crossers and out routes? Thanks.
The Packers are letting Drones air it out so far in camp and Family Night won't be any different. I'm guessing we'll see the deep throw drill where the Packers' quarterbacks try to drop the ball into the net from 50-plus yards. That's always a Family Night favorite.
Derek from Lexington, KY
In the "5 things learned at Packers training camp" on Sunday, Wes mentioned the players were wearing "spider pads." Can you explain what that means?
It's a transitionary padding the Packers use in jog-through practices. Unlike traditional shoulder pads, spider pads don't have a plastic shell. It's just extra padding to absorb light contact.
Michael from Glenview, IL
I found the reasoning/motivation for Zach Tom to change his last name both beautiful and compelling. My question is, how long will it take for him to be just Zach Bako-Bewele and not Zach Bako-Bewele (formerly Zach Tom) since X (formerly Twitter) just never seems to go away?
It's already happened here. His legal name is Zach Bako-Bewele and that's how he'll be addressed in our coverage. I've dug into my own family history and learned my paternal name was altered at Ellis Island, so I give Bako-Bewele full props for doing what he feels is right to honor his roots.
The Green Bay Packers held training camp practice on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.































Shirley from Mauston, WI
Is everyone getting along with the new quarterback – especially Jordan?
I think so. As I've previously written, Tyrod Taylor's temperament reminds me a lot of Malik Willis. LaFleur summed it up quite well – Taylor picks his spots to offer his opinion. But like Marcedes Lewis, Taylor chooses his words wisely and has the attention of the room when he does speak.
Matt from Granger, IA
How is MarShawn Lloyd looking to you? I have always wanted to see him and felt bad for him with the injuries.
So far, so good. Hoping we get to see No. 32 in some preseason action.
Jon from Willmar, MN
Will many of the known starters play at all against the Steelers?
Perhaps? The Packers played their starters in the preseason opener against the Jets last year before rolling with mostly backups the next two games. We'll see what this year holds.
George from Edinburg, VA
Good morning. Would you please explain the three-safety look of the new Packer defense? How is this different, apparently for Javon Bullard specifically, treating him as a third safety vs. a nickel/slot corner?
Not to tell any state secrets or get too much into scheme, but I think you're gonna see safeties playing more in the box this year and not necessarily just the slot cornerback. There's plenty of athleticism and versatility in the safety room and Gannon is utilizing it.
Tallon from Castle Rock, CO
We don't normally talk about the O-line, but Anthony Belton is a guy I am really excited to see for Year 2. I know that there are some mixed reviews on his play last year and even his fit at guard, but I saw potential in difficult circumstances last year. He's gotten to have a true offseason, and he gets to focus at one position instead of jumping around. What is one of his greatest strengths on the field and an area you hope to see him improve in?
Belton has elite size. He's the largest offensive linemen the Packers have ever drafted in terms of height and weight. Entering Year 2, Belton is undisputably one of the five best offensive linemen Green Bay has. The focus right now has been on Belton mastering that right guard position and making it his own. He has the tools. You gotta apply them.
Bob from Wellington, CO
I see there is a job fair coming up for gameday employees. If you were a hiring manager, what is your go-to interview question?
If we're driving somewhere: You want the keys or would you rather be the passenger?
Larry from Green Valley, AZ
Early returns on Trey Smack have not been encouraging as I read them. What makes you guys think he will prove otherwise?
Breathe everyone. Lotta ballgame left, as a good friend of mine likes to say.
Arthur from Eau Claire, WI
When a scout is observing a different team at their practice and sees a drill that his team doesn't do that may help his team, does he mention it to a coach?
Sure, but the NFL also has been around for more than 100 years now. I think most of the secrets have been unlocked. At the end of the day, there's only so many different ways to fold your laundry.
Keith from Lincoln, IL
Oh, no. Poor "admin." It's like you just announced to the third-grade class we're having a substitute teacher on Friday. Can you prepare this person enough for what she/he is about to face?
We're gonna do our best.
Joe from Swansea, IL
Special guest writer? Was my invitation lost in the mail? Darn! On the other hand, writing this column requires patience, insight, the proper use of who/whom, and knowledge far beyond the average fan's expertise. So, I can't wait for the pinch-hitter super-sub to weigh in.
Neither can I. There already have been some great submissions. Keep 'em coming. Have a great Tuesday.

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