GREEN BAY – The Packers conducted a practice in shells Monday that was closed to the public but open to the media.
Here are five things learned from the workout:
- Kitan Oladapo is getting a chance to show what he's got.
The second-year safety, whose rookie season was derailed by a foot injury that dated back to before he was drafted in the fifth round, is healthy and it's showing on the practice field.
He's moved up the depth chart at safety with the current injuries to Xavier McKinney (calf) and Zayne Anderson (knee) and was rotating in with the first unit Monday, alongside either Evan Williams or Javon Bullard.
Oladapo doesn't take the assignment lightly. While no one wishes injury upon anyone, this is an important opportunity to get first-team reps.
"Communication has to be more crisp," he said. "Guys are faster, playing faster, but also it ups your confidence because you have to make a confident call for guys to follow you."
Oladapo began playing special teams regularly last year in late November, and then he played 50 defensive snaps in the regular-season finale against the Bears, recording four tackles.
Even then, he doesn't believe he was fully healthy until after OTAs this spring, so in many respects he feels he's just now hitting his stride. He's in a good spot with the playbook – position coach Ryan Downard always refers to him as a smart player – and expects his football IQ to come along the more snaps he gets.
He ended Monday's practice with an interception in the two-minute drill with the second-team defense, the type of play he can build on heading into a big week with the joint practice and preseason game in Indianapolis.
"I feel like they still haven't seen me 100%," he said.
"We take our friendly rivalry in the safety room very serious. It's always next-man-up mentality. We're all battling with each other, learning off each other, so I'm excited."
- Matthew Golden got some encouraging words after his preseason debut.
Golden, the Packers' rookie first-round pick, found himself lined up across from star Jets corner Sauce Gardner in the first quarter Saturday night and didn't back down.
He converted on third-and-7 with a reception on a slant, and then on the next third down on a similar route, he drew a pass interference call on Gardner. The two chatted briefly after the game.
"He just told me, keep going," Golden said. "I talked to him and (receiver) Garrett Wilson. They gave me some feedback and just told me to keep going, rookie year, just stay confident, keep playing hard."
Golden is getting a ton of work with the first-team offense while Jayden Reed (foot), Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Christian Watson (ACL rehab) remain sidelined.
- The offense got a little healthier as preseason Week 2 began.
Left tackle Rasheed Walker (groin) returned to practice for individual drills but did not take any 11-on-11 reps. Jordan Morgan remained the left tackle with the starters.
Running backs Emanuel Wilson (knee) and MarShawn Lloyd (groin) also returned for individual drills. If they can be cleared for 11-on-11 this week, a backfield that lost Jalen White (foot) in Saturday's game will have a little more depth.
Cornerback Kamal Hadden (hip) returned for individual drills on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebacker Quay Walker and receiver Savion Williams were back in 11-on-11 work after sitting out Saturday night's game.
The only new addition to the injury list is cornerback Isaiah Dunn (knee).
- A nifty two-point play should've worked.
The Packers practiced two-point conversions at the end of practice, and the No. 1 offense went just 1-for-3, with Williams getting the score on a short pass at the goal line from QB Jordan Love.
That group's second try featured a double play-action fake by Love, with tight end Tucker Kraft releasing into a wide-open area in the back corner of the end zone, but Kraft lost his footing as the ball was thrown. On the third try, Love couldn't find anybody open and just threw the ball away, which cornerback Keisean Nixon picked off in the end zone.
The No. 2 offense went 2-for-2, with running back Amar Johnson scoring on a run up the gut, and receiver Malik Heath making a contested two-handed snag of Malik Willis' pass at the front pylon with corner Corey Ballentine in coverage.
- The new kicker took his first field goal attempts.
Irish-born kicker Mark McNamee, who just arrived last Friday night due to visa delays and handled kickoffs in Saturday night's game, went 4-for-6 in his first field goal sessions.
He was good from 33 and 37 yards before missing wide right from 39. Then he made a pair from 41 and 43 yards but hooked a 45-yarder wide left.
