GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers’ offense needs a new number one target with Davante Adams gone.

Allen Lazard has raised his hand. He said he’s ready for the challenge.

“I’ve never wavered on the belief in myself to be able to step up,” said Lazard. “Obviously, when Davante was here, his talent is extreme. It’s tremendous. Undoubtedly, he’s the best wide receiver in the league right now. And probably will be there for awhile, but that doesn’t mean that I’m far behind him from that standpoint. I’ve learned a lot from him. He’s taught me a lot, on the field and off the field, and how to carry yourself as a professional, and as a man as well. I’m thankful for my time with him, but things move on and it’s a different age now.”

Brian Gutekunst, general manager, said he’s excited to see what Lazard can do.

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“I’m excited to see what he can be for us, kind of in a different role,” said Gutekunst. “Allen’s a very confident guy. Every time we’ve given him opportunities, he’s produced. With these new opportunities, I’m excited to see him grow and develop, but I think the sky’s the limit for him.”

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Lazard has a lot to prove.

“He has a lot to prove, I think to himself and other people, maybe to the team as well,” said Rodgers. “I like a hungry Allen Lazard.”

Lazard had just one catch for six yards in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. For the 2021 season, he caught 40 passes for 513 yards and eight touchdowns.

There are some skeptics that think the Packers still need receiving help. But, the Packers have a tradition of good receiver play.

“Playing for the Green Bay Packers is high standards, high expectations every single year whether it’s this year or 2019 when I first got here,” said Lazard. “I don’t see it any differently. I see no matter who’s out there, the eleven people on the field, they have a standard to uphold. They don’t do that, then there’s changes that need to be made. There’s expectations to bring the Lombardi Trophy back home where it belongs. We failed the last few years. Our goal won’t change this year at all

“You see Lazard and the way that he stepped up and taken a leadership role so far,” raved veteran receiver Randall Cobb. “I just look forward to seeing his continued growth.”

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Sammy Watkins could practice for the first time in Training Camp Friday. He tweaked a hamstring in offseason conditioning.

“Davante Adams left. Other guys got to fill in and make plays,” said Watkins. “We gotta be on point. It’s not just me feeling pressure. All of us gotta go out there and compete and make a ton of plays.”

Among the rookie receivers, fourth rounder Romeo Doubs has looked good early, while second rounder Christian Watson is still unable to practice coming off a knee injury.