Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd Faces Another Setback in Return from Injury
The Packers were hoping to get rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd back on the field before the season wraps, but that return is now looking increasingly unlikely. According to reports, Lloyd suffered another soft tissue injury in recent days-just as he was beginning to ramp up activity after a stint on injured reserve.
Head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t exactly offer an optimistic update when asked about Lloyd’s status. “I’m not going to say no, but I think you can use deductive reasoning on that one,” LaFleur said, hinting that the odds of Lloyd suiting up again this season aren’t great.
This latest setback is part of a frustrating trend for Lloyd, who’s dealt with soft tissue issues throughout his young NFL career. The Packers had opened his 21-day practice window, a sign they were at least considering activating him down the stretch.
He’d even seen a specialist to address the lingering hamstring problems and believed he had turned a corner. But now, it appears those plans are on hold-if not shelved entirely.
Lloyd, 24, came into the league with plenty of promise. Drafted in the third round out of USC, he signed a four-year rookie contract worth $5.8 million, including just under $1 million in signing bonus money. The Packers saw him as a potential spark plug for their backfield-a powerful, shifty runner with breakaway speed and receiving upside.
But his rookie campaign has barely gotten off the ground. Lloyd has appeared in just one game this season, logging six carries for 15 yards and catching a single pass for three yards. It’s a small sample, but it underscores how tough it’s been for him to stay on the field, let alone make an impact.
The Packers aren’t lacking for backfield depth, but they were clearly intrigued by what Lloyd could bring to the offense. His blend of size, vision, and burst made him a standout at USC and a player Green Bay believed could develop into a key contributor. For now, though, it’s all about getting healthy-and staying healthy.
As the season winds down, the focus shifts to Lloyd’s long-term outlook. The talent is there, but availability is everything in the NFL.
If he can finally put the injury bug behind him, there’s still time for Lloyd to carve out a role in Green Bay’s offense. But after another setback, that road just got a little longer.
We’ll continue to monitor Lloyd’s status as more updates become available.