Mike's Mid-Week Chat: How do the Packers' rookies look?

[Cheesehead]

Hey everybody, thanks for logging on today. Hope everyone is safe and healthy. Go ahead and start sending in some questions and I'll get rolling in a minute or so.


When will fans be allowed at Lambeau?


I don't know. The organization hasn't made any other announcements other than no fans for the first two home games. The next home game after MNF v. Atlanta isn't until Nov. 1.


Will we see Jordan Love play at all this year?


Perhaps not. Tim Boyle is clearly the No. 2, and unless there's an injury situation or concern with Aaron Rodgers or Boyle, I wouldn't expect Love to be active for a game day.


I just saw this week's ranking on Good Morning Football. Green Bay is third. Did they really turn around their perceptions of this team so dramatically with only two games on tape?


Of course they do. It's how they entertain themselves and their audience.


What do you think can be attributed to the slow starts on defense?


The opponent has executed well, and the Packers haven't. That's a real simple answer, but it's true. Early-season games there are always unscouted looks from the opponent that teams have to react to. Once the Packers have gotten past the first quarter, the second and third quarters they've been pretty good on D.


Thoughts on Gale Sayers?


He was before my time, but his highlights are incredible. He'd be even more revered had he played longer, but he dominated when he played that's for sure.


Any update on Kenny Clark, specifically how long he will be out?


Nope, no updates yet. We'll see if he returns to the practice field at all this week. First practice is in about 2 hours.


Who is the Tom that Rodgers talks to during his media interviews? Rodgers seems to like the guy.


That's Tom Fanning, communications manager who handles all of Rodgers' media obligations. Tom was my writing partner on packers.com for three seasons (2008-10) before moving full-time into his current role.


Rex Ryan said "karma will eventually catch up with the Packers" for not drafting immediate help for Rodgers. This was AFTER they just beat the Lions. Are they not watching the same game we're watching? I just don't get it.


Then why listen?


Why aren't people giving the Packers the respect a 2-0 team should have after scoring 80+ points in the first 2 games? Is it because of who they played, or they just don't believe the Packers are that good?


It's not on my list of concerns, but the Packers are one of five 2-0 teams in the NFC. They're not going to say everyone is the best. There are a lot of good teams in this conference, and I think the Packers' next four opponents could all be better than their first two. Let's see how it plays out.


Hey Mike! What do you make of Rashan Gary's improvement? Seems like he was always in the face of Stafford last Sunday.


Gary has translated his offseason improvement to the game field, which is what young players have to do. He's disruptive. He affects the game when he's in there. He did that last year, too, and now he's getting more snaps.


The media is focusing on injuries this season. Does the data indicate a higher than normal injury rate?


I haven't seen any specifics, but I heard seven ACLs last week alone. That's awfully high. Combine that with the high-profile names on that injury list and it's obvious the issue is getting attention.


Out of the three upcoming FAs, who walks? (would love to sign them all but don't see it happening). David Bakhtiari, Corey Linsley, Kevin King or Aaron Jones?


As I said in Inbox this morning, I suspect the Packers' priorities are Bakhtiari and Jones. If they can get those two taken care of, they'll see what they can do about the rest.


Can you explain the thinking behind leaving spots open on the 53 and practice squads, as opposed to immediately filling them? It seems a warm body is better than nothing.


There may be acquisitions in the pipeline. The COVID testing protocols can take a few days to clear.