Rubber and grass? That’s bike tires carrying 300lbs of bulk to Ray Nitschke Field. Off in the distance, cheese curds squeak and sharpies glide across newly acquired footballs from the Packers Pro Shop. I’m ready to run through a wall (or at least get into my car and drive to Lambeau Field). Let’s get into your questions. 

“In your estimation, which players will be or should be heavily scrutinized during this Packers training camp? Who’s feeling some heat?” - Ed

Luke Musgrave is a name that jumps out to me right away, just because he'll continue to have every opportunity to carve out a role for himself on this offense, if he wants it. And I think that’s a big reason why he’ll likely be a “change of scenery” trade candidate for a tight end-needy team prior to the start of the season.

Tucker Kraft is getting his big payday soon, and that may happen even before the start of camp. Musgrave is entering the last year of his rookie contract with 649 receiving yards and one touchdown in three seasons. Now, he did have to deal with injuries his first two years, but he never capitalized on the opportunity he was handed in Kraft’s absence last season. This is a prove-it year for Musgrave for a number of reasons, and a strong start to camp would be a good sign. At this point he’s auditioning for all 32 teams, not just the one that drafted him. But I really do like his upside and we know how Matt LaFleur feels about utilizing 12 personnel, so I hope he takes the leap we all know he can. 

It’s not really deserved, but I think MarShawn Lloyd will be heavily scrutinized simply because he hasn’t been available. He’ll be under a microscope from fans because everyone is just so interested to see him emerge as RB2 in this offense. His teammates had some high praise for him during organized team activities, so it’ll be nice for fans to get a longer glimpse at him during open practice and preseason games. 

“If you were a player, would you choose the same kid's bike for the entirety of training camp, or would you spread it around and pick a different kid every day?” - Tony

Tony, this question is so hard! As a parent, I feel like I would want to pick a new kid every day so as many kids as possible felt included in the tradition and got to have the experience. But I think as a player, it would be special to have that bond with one kid all summer. I remember the really cool story Wes Hodkiewicz wrote about Corey Linsley’s friendship with his bike kid all the way back in 2017, and how the tradition spanned multiple seasons for them. 

One of my favorite things each summer is when visiting teams come for joint practice and still participate in the bike riding. It’s just such a uniquely Green Bay thing. J.J. Watt breaking a small child’s bike will always be a hilarious camp story. And I love the way it humanizes the players. Because at the end of the day, these are grown men playing a game. It’s a game we all love, but it’s a game. So seeing big dudes on little bikes puts things in perspective before they go smash into each other like immovable objects and unstoppable forces for 17 regular season games (and hopefully more). I hope when Mike LaFleur comes to town with the Cardinals, Matt and Mike ride to practice together. Even though they’d technically be coming out of separate entrances, I think that’s just something we need to see. They have to have core memories riding bikes together as kids, right? I know I have memories riding bikes with my brother. So yeah, two brothers that are now head coaches in the NFL, biking to practice together in the shadow of Lambeau Field? That’s cinema. Sign me up. 

“Hey Maggie! The training camp countdown clock is nearing zero! What’s the very first thing you’re gonna look for at the start of camp? Not that it’d be near a complete answer, but is there something you are excited to see first? Thanks!” Jim

For me, I’m going to have my eyes on the offensive line. And yes I did read the comment last week about how the offensive line is always on my mind in terms of improvements and concerns. It just feels like the obvious choice! We think we know the starting five, but is Jager Burton going to turn heads and claim a spot? Who are going to be the first guys off the bench as depth pieces, because we know the starting five isn’t going to get through an entire season together all fully healthy at the same time. 

Defensively, it’s the edge rushers. I am really optimistic about year two Barryn Sorrell, so I’m ready to see that unit get the pads on and get after Jordan Love (sorry, Jordan). But the thing I’m most excited to see? Packers football, back on the timeline. As much content as my phone can handle. I can’t wait. We did it. 

That’ll do it for the mailbag this week! The next mailbag that drops will have real Packers training camp content to talk about! Pack’s What She Said also comes back next week, if you’re into that sort of thing. As always, submit your questions on Bluesky or by emailing [email protected]. Enjoy the start of camp!