Inbox: Now they have to take it from practice to the game

I’m assuming here that MarShawn Lloyd plays with the No. 1 unit to start the game, or do you see him getting more reps? GPG

I’m sure he’ll start at RB, but whether or not he’ll stay in after the first-team O-line exits remains to be seen. It’s a balancing act. I wouldn’t think they’d push things too far with him right away, but at the same time, they need to see what he’s got and what he can handle.

Neil from Altamonte Springs, FL

With the preseason underway, which under-the-radar player from training camp do you think has the best chance to earn a meaningful role on the 53-man roster this season, and why?

In our last two “Unscripted” episodes, Wes and I have talked about two players who are becoming the potential underdog stories of this camp – DT Anthony Campbell and CB Jaylin Simpson. Now they have to take it from practice to the game.

Mark from Big Bear City, CA

Good morning all, just wanted to say the piece on Bo was once again a great job, Wes. Talk about a guy you want in your locker room and to line up next to. He’s definitely a Packer through and through. I can think of a better guy for the younger players on the team to watch and learn from on how to be a professional.

Bo Melton is not a star in this league and never will be. But any locker room would benefit from Bo’s presence. I don’t know how else to say it other than he’s the ultimate teammate.

Hello, preface with, “truly trying to know” … The II forum has educated a lot of us about the nuances of ST that often get overlooked. Based on credible updates including II, we’ve got some bubble WR balling out so far, but Melton seems like an incumbent that can’t be bumped due to ST value. As noted ST are more nuanced but to date the results are universally agreed underwhelming. Can you opine on what he excels at on ST, that would win a spot over an equal or better WR contender this summer?

Melton is an expert flyer on the punt team. He’s so reliable and impactful in that role, which factors greatly into field position. When the Packers lost both Zayne Anderson and Melton for the playoffs due to injuries, Bears returner Devin Duvernay had punt returns of 37 and 22 yards. The longest punt return allowed by the Packers all regular season was 24, and the average was 10.6, with only 21 of 49 punts returned.

Mike, it was a bittersweet weekend here in the Quad Cities. It was great to see Roger Craig (Davenport native) make the Hall of Fame but was sad to hear about his dementia. The school district is naming the football stadium after him, which was a well-deserved honor. Then the news of Don Nelson’s passing brought me back down. He grew up in Rock Island and was a next-door neighbor to my former co-worker. Definitely a coach ahead of his time. Do you remember Nellie during his fish tie days?

Absolutely. I grew up with those ’80s Bucks teams that were so much fun to watch, and came so close so many times. That’s when I truly enjoyed watching NBA basketball. Not so much anymore.

Darren from Wakefield, MI

I love the preseason. Provides a great opportunity to see the backups or potential next backups perform. It also provides me the time of year where I usually find at least one guy that’s absolutely killing it only for him not to make the 53 and maybe not even the PS. It helps to remind me I have zero ability to evaluate players and to trust the management. Wonder if other folks experience the same?

All the time, whether they admit it or not.

I know it’s only preseason, but I’m really excited to watch the game on Thursday. There should be a lot of interesting position battles going on and I’m looking forward to seeing how all the young talent performs.

Aren’t we all, and I’m sure I’ll have plenty of questions to answer about that on the flight back from Pittsburgh. Happy Wednesday.