Hey everybody, thanks for logging on. Hope the week is going well. Go ahead and start sending in your questions and I'll get rolling momentarily.

Hey, Mike. Really interested about Jayden Reed and MarShawn Lloyd.

Well, neither was practicing today. So still wait and see.

Do you think Matt Lafleur will use Malik Willis again?

This is a popular question. I honestly don't know. In addition to what I said about injury risk in this morning's Inbox, I also think it works to GB's advantage when Willis has to come in, like last week, that teams don't have much to go on.

Hi Mike, is Chris Brooks the next Kuhn?

Kuhn got a lot more opportunities with the ball in his hand than Brooks has to this point, but when it comes to blitz pickup, those guys are as reliable and stout as they come.

Is the priority this week stopping JJ/JJ or old friend 33/Mason?

It starts with clamping down on the run and putting the game in the young QB's hands.

Do you think Jordan Love is a top 5 qb?

I don't get into ranking them. There are a lot of talented QBs at the top of the NFL. Jordan Love is a QB who can win for the Packers. That's all there is to know.

Good early am over here Mike, I was reading an article around GM's on the hot seat done by a panel of so-called "experts" ranking all 32 of them from safe to "hot seat" and Gutey came in at 18. I was shocked. I figured 10 safest for him. How does the team tune out "drivel" like this in the so called expert media and stay focused?

Believe me, nobody who's the subject of that type of content refers to anyone in the media as expert.

How would you design the gameplan differently if you expect Josh Jacobs not to be available? Emanuel Wilson and Brooks have both played very well, but they don't have all the skills Jacobs has.

No other Packers RB runs as hard as Jacobs does, but Wilson can keep defenses honest. If he gets the call as the No. 1 back Sunday, I'm very interested to see what he does with it.

Hi Mike what do you think about Matthew Golden's production are you worried about it?

Not particularly. I'm more worried about his health. He's been on the injury report with the shoulder, which prevented him from playing in the second half vs. Carolina and the whole game vs. Philly. He needs to get healthy.

Will Tucker Kraft be back next season?

For sure. What his timeline will be with an early November ACL is impossible to gauge right now.

With all the injuries do you expect more featured personnel? Ie. get the ball in Christian Watson's hands?

I don't see Love and the Packers force-feeding anybody. There were plenty of passes to go around against the Giants. They just have to do a better job catching them all.

No Packers Unscripted yesterday? Is Wes in another contract dispute?

Ha, no. He took a last-minute PTO day so we didn't have a show. He's back at work today, so we'll have our usual Thursday show tomorrow.

What is Lukas Van Ness's status?

He was back on the practice field again today. If he can practice for a second straight week, we'll see if that means he's active on Sunday.

Any word on Malik Heath?

He was at practice as well. We will see what he says to the media after in the locker room.

Does Matthew Golden score his first touchdown this week?

It's going to happen. Not sure when obviously. But the healthier he gets, the more snaps he'll play, and that should mean more opportunities.

Will Jordan be limited this week because of the shoulder injury?

It didn't look like it during the portion of practice we saw, which was just drills. We'll see what the injury report says.

Why do you think the pass rush has been inconsistent? With all of the double teams on Micah Parsons you'd think others would get home more often.

I thought that was happening pretty regularly early in the season, but not so much lately. The Panthers and Giants being able to run the ball the way they did definitely limited the pass-rush opps, though.

Any thoughts on Luke Musgrave's absence receiving passes?

LaFleur commented Monday they need to get him on the field more and work him in better. We'll see.

By the way, 1 followed by 27 0's is an octillion.

Thanks for the knowledge.

Have you ever covered a Packer season that has been to the end nail biting games. And yet we still look like we could be really good?

There have been plenty of seasons with several down-to-the-wire games. That's the norm more often than not. Early in LaFleur's tenure, the Packers won a lot of close games at the end especially.

What kind of crowd do you expect this Sunday?

Hopefully it's a fired up GB crowd and with the Vikings being under .500 there won't be as many of their fans around. But who knows.

Any info on what happened with Heath last week? Could have used his hands and blocking last game.

LaFleur didn't elaborate after the game.

I was unable to watch live, but I am reading that the Giants game was Jordan's "Best". But the stats do not justify that. How would you rate his performance?

I don't know how to rank them in terms of best or second best or whatever, but he was really, really good. Only 24 pass attempts. 13 were caught, but a half dozen were dropped. He put a number of difficult throws right on the money, and he stood in the pocket and took the hits to make those deliveries, too. It was a big-time performance while dealing with the left shoulder injury and the wind.

Hey Mike what do you see as the brightest & most realistic outlook for remainder of this season?

Just start stacking wins. It'll feel a lot better going into Detroit on a short week with two wins in a row instead of a loss to the Vikings. Start stacking them and see what happens.

Will there be a third RB behind Wilson and Brooks if JJ can't go?

Pierre Strong Jr. is on the practice squad. He might be elevated.

How conservative do you think the Packers will be with Jacobs?

I think they'll trust Jacobs and what he says regarding his body. Reportedly there's no structural damage to the knee and it's a contusion. I'm sure it doesn't feel good. But they trusted him with the calf injury in Arizona and he came through that game fine.

The offense piling on the push a runner, like we have seen all season, is terrible. I believe the ref's should just blow the whistle once a runner is stood up and people start to push him. Thoughts?

Agreed. That's how it used to be. For decades of NFL football until they changed the rule in 2005.

There's been a lot of discourse about Rashan Gary's snap count/production, while he is getting credited sacks on the season why does it seem like our pass rush (besides Micah) just hasn't passed the eye test lately?

Because it hasn't, as I said earlier. It hasn't come from as many guys in recent games compared to the beginning of the season. But they Packers also were stopping the run better than anybody in the league early on, too, and with that changing, so has the pass rush.

How do you think it's going to be facing J.J McCarthy and Justin Jefferson?

Jefferson is crazy good. He's a threat to make a big play at any moment. The Packers know all about him and would feel that way about him no matter who the QB is.

Was Golden at practice today?

Yes, but it was hard to tell if he was really doing much in the portion we saw.

What's your opinion of Nate Hobbs?

Another guy that's had a bad run of health. It started in training camp for him and seems like it hasn't stopped.

I've noticed the past few years how small shoulder pads are compared to the old days. I wonder if this contributes to more shoulder injuries.

Your guess is as good as mine. I can't imagine it's not a factor at some level. But players don't want to be at a disadvantage athletically based on the equipment their opponents are wearing. Speed and mobility are everything.

Any update on Brandon McManus?

He was at practice today from what I saw.

Speaking of that, more good old ball drills to shake those drops off?

I'm sure they've got some extra drills planned this week. The Packers didn't have a problem with drops through the first eight games, but now the last two it's been an issue again.

Do you think the Vikings will switch to more Cover 2 or stay with man and blitz?

Who knows? Brian Flores likes to do all kinds of different stuff so I'm sure he'll run through everything in his bag.

Hello Aristophanes :)

Yikes.

Is there any update on Jayden Reed?

He did not practice today, despite all the anticipation based on his social media post. We'll see if he gets back out there by the end of the week.

Vikings pass rush?

That's what they do best defensively, and they bring pressure from a lot of different angles. Communication and picking up stunts and blitzes must be on point against these guys.

Why is Savion Williams in boot cast every week?

Presumably there are times it's better to just relieve as much pressure on that foot as possible. I don't know the specifics of his injury.

On another QB note, does Rodgers play for Pittsburgh against the Bears? I would think he will do everything he can to play them.

That's what it sounds like, he will do everything he can. Will be interesting.

What is to watch out for with the 2025 Vikings?

Their main guys aren't much different on both sides of the ball as far as the weapons. Aaron Jones, Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson. On D, Van Ginkel, Greenard, Harrison Smith, Metellus. They've got a good bunch and they recently went into Ford Field in Detroit and knocked off the Lions. Now their season is close to the brink, so the Packers have to be ready for their best shot.

Really hope that A-Rod will be healthy enough to stick it to his old rival one last time.

Me too. You know he wants to face the Bears again really badly.

Christian Watson looked like the only guy who was comfortable catching the ball on Sunday, and even he had one more he could have caught. How do you clean this up?

Just get back to work at practice and the guys have to focus that much more as they secure the ball. There's no magic potion. Just hard work.

When LVN gets back do you assume the sacks come more often and run stops get even better?

I think LVN can give the defensive front a boost but his return isn't going to change anything dramatically. Everyone has to do his part.

Do you think Quay Walker is playing good enough for us to sign him long term or do you think this will be the last season with him on our defense?

Walker has played really well and Gutey has said several times he sees him as a long-term piece on this defense. But it takes two to tango on any contract and Walker has his own decision to make in terms of maybe wanting to test the waters to see what's out there. These deals are never a one-way street.

At this point of the season, and what we have seen so far, are the Packers, pretenders or contenders? Hopefully I'm wrong, but I'm thinking the former, not the latter.

I don't think this team has played its best football. It's capable of better than what we've seen for the last couple months. The question is will they find that level.

Josh Whyle got his TD, is getting FB/HB reps. Are more pass routes next? Is he showing what we wanted DeGuara to be?

I don't like to make player comparisons, but Whyle has shown in a short time he's got something to offer this offense. He'll keep getting playing time.

Your thoughts on Jordan Morgan's recent play at right guard?……I feel the key to improvement on both sides of the ball is better line play.

I've said all along the more the injuries up front settle down the better the unit will play. If they're going with Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Morgan, Zach Tom as their unit, let's hope they can play together for several weeks now.

Hey Mike how did Rhyan go at center? Do you think Jacob Monk should get a chance there? He is a genuine center isn't he?

I thought Rhyan played well. Monk needs to be ready to go in case anything happens, but Rhyan is the guy right now.

Sunday weather outlook?

Cool, crisp fall day I believe.

Could we see more Ty'Ron Hopper reps, even with Quay back ?

Maybe. He seems to make an impact anytime he's out there. That's a nice deep group the Packers have on D.

Looking forward, which, if any game on our remaining schedule do you think the NFL would consider flexing to primetime?

No idea, honestly. I'd have to look at what games are scheduled for Sunday nights coming up and see if any of those matchups are in danger of getting moved first.

Is Quay practicing?

Not today.

The loss of LVN has been felt, do you think that's a big part of the lack of production against the run recently?

I don't know about that. But losing a guy like that forces more reps on others and some guys might not be staying as fresh as the game wears along.

Is 27 the new 88?

Anything but 88, man.

Do the Packers go back to McManus if he is available to play, even if he's banged up?

They'll go back to him when he's healthy, which is for them to determine, not me.

Looking at the remaining games - do you see a route to wild card or since we have so many divisional games coming up, playoffs we need to win our division games and therefore the division to get in?

It's going to be a battle for the division and any other playoff spots in the NFC. There are a lot of teams in the mix. All you can do is win the game in front of you and get ready for the next one. Once mid-December rolls around, then all the scenarios come into better focus.

How much of practice are you allowed to watch?

Just when they stretch and do individual drills. We have enough time to take attendance and snap a couple photos/videos and then that's it.

The eye test sometimes hasn't been good but are still in a good position?

No doubt. 6-3-1 isn't a bad spot. But the games get harder and more important now.

Can't lose three in a row at home. Just can't.

I sure hope not.

When will the league do away with artificial turf? That appears to be a contributing factor to Jacobs injury and others around the league from concussions, ankle/feet and shoulders?

As I've said all along, don't hold your breath.

We did not look particularly good against Flores' blitzes combined with press coverage last year. Really hope that Watson and Golden can expose them this time with their speed.

That second game against the Vikes last year was a rough one. The offense really struggled until the game got out of hand. Same with the first matchup here, which was also a big defensive letdown early. The Packers can't let the Vikings control the game early like that again.

The simple defensive solution for pushing the pile plays would be for one guy to drop down and take out the runners legs/feet. Of course then he'd have 2000 lbs. on top of him. Care to demonstrate this concept in practice, Mike?

Uh, no thanks.

Seems like the losses have come when Love has been blitzed and pressured heavily. With the offensive line in flux again will the short game get dusted off finally?

We'll see. The Packers aren't just going to capitulate against the blitz, because blitzes are also opportunities for big plays if you can block it up and protect.

Some teams seem to have a play that's always good for 5 yards no matter what. Can we get one of those too?

I think they had that with the play-fake, short rollout, dump to Kraft in the flat. They need to find another one.

In baseball it is tommy-john surgery. In football it seems to be ACL's. Maybe I just wasn't aware when I was younger, but 50 years ago I don't remember so many ACL injuries. Do you think it is just the increased speed of the game and the stress put on body parts?

I'm no kinesiologist, but I'm sure those are factors, as well as the changes in bodies. 50 years ago, linemen weighed what linebackers do now.

How much does guardian caps weigh?

Not as much as it looks, from what I've heard.

If Watson stays healthy, watch out.

I think so, too. Other than one pass, he was really good and really dangerous on Sunday.

For all the ups and downs so far, the season has yet to be defined. Win all the division games coming up, and we're all but guaranteed a division title. Repeat last year's struggles in division games, and we could be in serious trouble.

Those are the two extremes, yeah.

Now I have to go watch Grease again after II this morning. Thanks, Spoff.

I think that was a first in the Inbox. It's crazy what pops into my head sometimes just based on how someone words a question or comment.

Hi Mike, sorry if I missed it earlier as I just logged in. Was their a delay in you and Wes's broadcast?

Unscripted will be back tomorrow.

Rhyan is more stout than Monk, isn't he? More of a road grader?

Yes, Rhyan is about a dozen pounds bigger.

Would you say that Jordan is playing his best season?

As far as a full season to this point, yes, but lots more football out there.

Do you keep a list of players you see at practice or do you just see the chess board and know?

We all have rosters and take attendance, just checking guys off the old-fashioned way. That's the only way not to miss anybody.

Do you think part of the inconsistency of the offense on game day could be attributed to so many key players having injuries that prevent them from practicing fully during the week?

I think that could be part of it, because if practice didn't matter then they wouldn't do it. But every team has challenges like that to overcome.

Apparently 55 outsnapped 52? Is that for run stopping, conditioning, or nothing burger?

LaFleur was asked about that and said it was just how the game went. Not sure what to make of that. But the snap counts could all change now if LVN comes back.

Mike, the schedule annoys me why is we play the Bears 2 out of 3 weeks? I follow other leagues around the world and that never happens.

It happens a lot in the NFL and I think it's silly. Quirks in the schedule like that should be avoided in my view.

Who is our new YAC leader with Kraft out?

I think when healthy Golden can be that guy, and/or Reed.

Mike, Chicago sports media reported the Vikes' Flores blitz over twenty times against the Bears last week. This should be a character test for our running backs.

No doubt. Have to be ready for them to send extra rushers at any time.

Hope our snaps and holds for special teams go smoother this week. But Matt Orzech sure covered punts well last week!

Yeah, I don't know how much the wind in Jersey was affecting the snaps on placekicks. But it still comes down to the kicker getting a clean hit on the ball. Both the Detroit and Philly kickers drilled some long ones Sunday night in the wind with pure strikes. That's what it takes.

What was wrong with Romeo Doubs Sunday against the Giants?

That was the first time in a while I'd seen Doubs struggle with the drops. Even a couple of his catches didn't look clean. His hands are normally as sure as they come and hopefully it was just a blip for him.

"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter"

Another classic line from Grease.

Does a run blitz look similar to when a defense blitzes on a pass play?

Yeah, the blitzer just turns his attention to the running back getting the handoff.

Daniel Whelan is having a whale of a year, but here's hoping he is not needed much in our remaining games.

Sounds like a plan to me. With that, I think practice is about to end soon and I'll need to get down to the locker room for interviews. Thanks for all the participation folks and we'll talk again soon. Best, Spoff