5 things learned at Packers training camp – Aug. 21

GREEN BAY – Coming off Friday night’s preseason game against New Orleans, the Packers conducted a 1-hour, 20-minute practice geared towards the starters on Sunday afternoon.

Here are five things we learned:

1. Christian Watson couldn’t wait to put on his Packers uniform…and enjoyed a productive day in 11-on-11.

The rookie receiver didn’t play against the Saints but warmed up with his teammates and participated in the early walkthrough at Lambeau Field.

Non-participants often will throw on a shirt and sweatpants before the start of the game, but Watson enjoyed wearing the uniform so much he remained suited up on the sideline the entire game.

“I came in (to the locker room). I talked to Coach (Matt) LaFleur and I was like, ‘Should I take it off?’ He was like, ‘Nah, you look good. Just leave it on,'” said Watson with a smile.

“Obviously, it was my first time putting it on and getting to go out there. Even if he didn’t tell me to leave it on, I probably would’ve left it on anyways. I felt really good.”

The uniform came in handy Sunday, as the second-round pick returned to team periods for the first time since undergoing a minor knee procedure after the Packers’ offseason program.

Watson caught a couple passes, too, a 15-yard crosser from quarterback Aaron Rodgers in stride and a 9-yard slant during the move-the-ball period.

“It feels amazing just to be able to go up against the defense and get some live reps,” Watson said. “It feels like it’s been a long time coming for me. It’s only been a few weeks, but I feel like it’s definitely been a long time coming and I’ve been itching to get back out there.”

Watson doesn’t know whether he’ll play in Thursday’s preseason finale against Kansas City but believes the combination of practice and off-the-field due diligence have him prepared whenever his number is called.

Small conversations with Rodgers off to the side also have helped Watson gain a deeper understanding of the “whys” behind the offense and the MVP quarterback’s pre-snap reads.

“Just knowing the reasons and knowing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing and why I’m doing it on that play, that’s something that’s big for me,” Watson said. “I want to understand everything, just being able to go to him after and kind of pick his brain a little bit and learn more.”