There is no estimated time of arrival in the NFL

Wes Hodkiewicz

Markus from Aurora, CO

Road trip!

I can't believe I just boarded a plane to the Packers' preseason opener. Where does the time go?

Marshall from Mesa, AZ

As Great Grandpa Alfonse from Escanaba would say, "Anyting' free is worth savin' up fir.'"

Grandpa Alfonse was a wise man.

Joe from Swansea, IL

Which player/position group are you most interested in seeing tonight in Pittsburgh? Also, is there a chance you'll get to chat with Coach Mike or A-Rod? For your sake, I hope you do.

I'm geared up for this preseason, maybe more than any previous one I've covered. There are so many storylines to track and players to follow. I reeled off my full list during "Unscripted" on Tuesday, butMarShawn Lloydstands at the very top. Two years of intrigue and promise have led to this moment. Lloyd has looked explosive and stayed healthy through the spring and into the summer. Hopefully, we see that hard work pay off tonight, next week in Denver and next month in Minneapolis.

John from Palmdale, CA

Your talking about players that aren't big name stars that are of great value to the team is Spoff on, IMHO. I haveIsaiah McDuffie's jersey in my closet.Bo Melton's is next for my collection.

I must ask: Will it be No. 16 or 80?

Jeff from Littlefork, MN

After reading Spoff's clap-back at Tom from Bismarck, I was reminded of a Tweet on X. Someone was questioning whether Packer or Titans fans would be more disappointed if Willis became a Pro Bowler. Don't you get the sense that 99% of Packer fans are wishing him tremendous success (Week 15 notwithstanding)? Cheers Malik, thanks for everything!

I struggle to see how Willis, Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley succeeding in Miami could in any way be an indictment on the place that helped elevate their careers. Willis went from a fledgling castoff to a starting QB after two years in Green Bay. I'd say Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst and the Packers did right by him.

Dana from Eau Claire, WI

Is all the blitzing that the defense is doing during training camp just practice for unusual situations, or do you think this is part of the core defense we will see right from Week 1?

I would be surprised if it wasn't a big part of the Packers' defensive DNA. That doesn't mean sending five or six on every down, but Jonathan Gannon is not afraid to push the gas.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, a follow up on the question from Dennis of Toledo can we conclude that the sixth or seventh WR is making the roster as an expert flyer with high likelihood of ST snaps over a dime a dozen (per Vic) WR who does not contribute on ST and has low probability of making the gameday roster, short of injuries?

That's paramount. If you're WR 5-7 on the depth chart, you gotta bring something to special teams or there won't be a place for you on a 53-man roster. Fifteen years covering the NFL has taught me Max McCaffrey, Ty Walker and Darrius Shepherd can flash in the preseason, but you know who the go-to receivers will be once the regular season hits. In the meantime, what can you bring to the gameday roster?

Brady from Brookings, SD

Hey guys, what do you think former Jackrabbit standoutPierre Strong Jr.needs to do to crack the 53-man roster? Go Pack Go! Go Jacks!

Tonight, those questions start to get answers. I think back to Emanuel Wilson in 2023. He looked good in camp as an undrafted rookie but then took things to another level with his 80-yard touchdown run in Cincinnati. Strong is a former fourth-round pick and has had some good days this summer. When his number is called in Pittsburgh, he's gotta run like his career depends on it.

Rod from Ephrata, PA

Playing starters in the first preseason game instead of one of the other ones...Is that because of additional time before the regular season for recovery if an injury occurs or are there other reasons?

That's a big part of it. By playing the starters in P1, it also gives the Packers more flexibility with how they want to outline the rest of the preseason and camp. If LaFleur and the coaches determine the starters got enough work, then perhaps the joint practice against Arizona is the final checkpoint before the regular season. If not, you still have two more exhibition games to play with.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. Your analogy about non-starting players being "jars on the shelf" feels appropriate this year, especially for the cornerbacks group. It seems they are either cracked, chipped or broken. After all the recent shuffling, who is in the mix to beJavon Bullard's backup at slot/nickel cornerback? Thanks.

That's what the Packers are trying to sort out. Johnathan Baldwin appeared to be a contender before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury.Kitan Oladapois taking reps there now and likely will start at nickel tonight.Kamal Haddenalso has joined that rotation since his return. The Packers have an added insurance policy there, too, withKeisean Nixon's ability to play inside.

Steve from Bloomington, IL

During your time with the Packers, which player would you say has made the best use of their reps during preseason games (as opposed to practice reps) in order to make the original 53-man roster, solidify their position on the roster or move into a starting position?

Man, there have been many Allen Lazard, Jake Kumerow, Brandon Saine, James Crawford, Micah Abernathy, and Tim Boyle rush to mind. Obviously, the gold standard remains Jayrone Elliott, who made the 53-man roster three times while Green Bay was loaded at edge rusher. As a rookie in 2014, Elliott posted five sacks in the preseason to earn a spot. What's more, there were four first-round picks in that room (Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, Nick Perry and Datone Jones) during Elliott's final season with the Packers in 2016.

Dan from Rothschild, WI

I don't know if this has ever been brought up, or if it's even feasible, but has the league ever considered putting redshirts on QBs in the preseason? Just for a little protection for the most valuable player on the team? Hate to lose one in a meaningless game.

It's funny you ask that because I was thinking this week about whether the NFL might benefit from incorporating into the preseason some of the ideas that make joint practices so attractive to teams, including red jerseys. Maybe not for the entire game, but what about giving teams the option to play their starting QB in a red jersey during the first quarter? I don't know. Just Spoff-ballin' here.

Todd from Random Lake, WI

Who do you think will be the third-string quarterback? Has any other quarterback stood out as the third string so far in camp? Are we still waiting to see who the third-string quarterback will be?

Kyle McCordandKyron Droneshave each had their moments. I would think McCord, the veteran, gets the first shot based on how the Packers have handled the preseason in the past. There are no gameday roster limits, though. Green Bay could even rotate McCord and Drones series-by-series if it desires.

Dale from Owatonna, MN

Any news onDomani Jackson? I think he had a surgery? I had high hopes for him when I heard about how he was always on the field at Alabama in the crucial situations, even though his playing time was split.

LaFleur confirmed he had an offseason procedure that Jackson is still working his way back from. Jackson is a super talented cornerback, but the competition at his position is ramping up.Carrington Valentineand Hadden are back whileJaylin Simpsonhas emerged as a perimeter option with the No. 2 defense.

Brian from Indianapolis, IN

I'm a rookie seventh-round draft pick doing everything I can to make the team. Official practice time is limited by the CBA, but I'm taking advantage of every opportunity I can find. What does my typical day look like during training camp?

I don't follow rookies around the building, but your question reminds me of the positive first impression Rasul Douglas made on the Packers when he signed to the active roster in 2021. Douglas was in the building from sunrise to sunset, often grinding tape in the film room, player lounge or cafeteria. There are limits to how long teams can require players to be in the building, but the facility is always available for them to work independently and recover.

John from Bartow, FL

I know it's still a few weeks away, but can you give us the specifics on how many practice squad players are allowed, and has any length of NFL service time changed as to who is able to be placed onto it?

In its simplest form, the only rule these days is teams must carry at least 10 non-tenured players (in their first or second NFL season) on practice squad and no more than six veteran exemptions (who have played more than two seasons).

Jeff from Edgerton, WI

Good morning HodkieWes. Tell me you've heard THAT name before! When a player goes into the Hall of Fame, how is it decided what team would get the credit for his admission? IfXavier McKinneyhas five successful seasons in GB and goes into the HOF, would he go in as a Packer? Trying to catch the Bears in that regard. Also, I'd like to see Jay Cutler nominated for a spot in the Packers HOF!

Now that would be something. As for McKinney, he just turned 28 last weekend. Still a lotta ballgame left. But he's off to a good start.

Benjamin from Bear, DE

I have a personnel conflict brewing. I've seen many national so-called football experts reporting Coach LaFleur plans on unleashing QBJordan Love. That's great and I love it, but I also believe the best way to help the O-line keep Jordan upright and healthy is through a strong running game and long drives. I want the offense to open up and score a ton of points, but I also want to see long drives that rest the Green Bay D and wear down the opposition's D. Can I have my cake and eat it too?

I think what you're calling for (and what the Packers need) is more balance between the run and pass game. Green Bay had a good mix in 2023-24 but last year was a grind. The Packers need to ramp up their run production, particularly between the tackles. If they do, I believe this offense can reach a level similar as 2013-14 after adding Eddie Lacy, David Bakhtiari and Corey Linsley to the mix. Because in my opinion, the best way to unlock Love is to keep the defense guessing on every down.

Al from Green Bay, WI

If we're being honest,Aaron Bankshas fallen short of expectations since his free agent signing. Yes, some of that is injury-related, but thus far the value isn't quite there. With up-and-coming players likeJacob MonkandJager Burtonhaving strong camps, is the starting left guard spot in play for Week 1?

That left guard spot belongs to Aaron Banks, who played well down the stretch last season after the injuries started to dissipate. However, every starting rep Jager Burton has taken at left guard is valuable. He's on the same path Lane Taylor, Linsley and Elgton Jenkins took to the starting five, but there is no estimated time of arrival in the NFL.

Jim from Tucson, AZ

Anthony Campbell. He can make them throw around or over him. Does his ability make QBs reduce their possible target area? His presence makes an effect. Good grief.

And I'm excited to see him tonight.

Gary from Sheboygan, WI

Morning Gents. Do the coaches coordinate with the opposing team, plays and matchups in preseason games like they do in joint practices to better evaluate players?

No, but the game is pretty vanilla in all three phases. For example, LaFleur mentioned the handshake agreement among most special teams coaches to minimize the tomfoolery during the exhibition season. Aside from whatever reps the starters get, the goal for the Packers and Steelers will be to get their young guys in and see what they can do. That usually involves a workable call sheet with general concepts.

Trey from Fishers, IN

In regards to your comment about the "look" of the guardian cap not being much of a factor on whether or not players wear it, I recently saw a video of Maxx Crosby, Von Miller and Cameron Jordan comparing their sacks. During one clip an offensive lineman was wearing one and they all said something along the lines of, "If you're wearing that I'm going straight at you because I know you're soft." Curious how many players share that same mindset. Just an observation.

Looks like they confused "soft" and "smart." Pity.

Eric from Kenosha, WI

Good morning. A random musing before the first game...Isn't it great that Tony Shalhoub is from Wisconsin, and we have a player named Monk?

Very fitting. We should probably send Mr. Shaloub a jersey.

Allen from Fairhope, AL

II: In your Final Thoughts video, there was a glimpse ofBarryn Sorrellbashing a tackling dummy while someone else held what looked like an elastic green strap around his waist. Is the purpose of the strap some kind of support or resistance?

Resistance training. It's been a big part of the Packers' strength training since Aaron Hill hopped on board two years ago.

Josh from Napoleon, OH

For us out-of-network folk, will Mike be doing his mid-game chat or whatever it's called again (it's been too long)?

Yes. Mike will clappin' the keyboard (and takin') names beginning at 5:45 p.m. CT on packers.com.

Martin from UK

Does the social media team try to get *Carrington Noises in every video? What II question would cause *Mike/Wes Noises?

Probably a cuss word.

Scott from Reno, NV

Fascinatingly obtuse. How Shawshank-esque!

Tom from Bismarck was forgetting himself, son.

HAVE A QUESTION?