In the days after the Packers brought in running back MarShawn Lloyd from USC, using the No. 88 pick (a third-rounder) in the 2024 draft to add him to a revamped running back room that had just seen star Josh Jacobs brought into the mix, he spoke about his strengths as a player.
One of those strengths was his versatility, coming off a season in which he tallied 1,052 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns for the Trojans.
Talking to Green Bay reporters for the first time, Lloyd explained what separated him from other running back draftees: “Honestly, I feel like, being able to be used in any way possible. I can be used on special teams. I can be used on third down. I can be used on kickoff returns. I feel like being able to have that quickness and have that shiftiness, and that explosion, I feel like that’s something I can bring.”
Packers Got Little From MarShawn Lloyd So Far
Unfortunately for the Packers, there is almost no evidence to support that claim, despite Lloyd having kicked around the team for the past two seasons. He has played just one game, back in Week 2 of the 2024 season, in which he carried the ball six times for 15 yards, then went out with a hamstring injury that snowballed into a series of injuries–to his hip and ankle and, eventually, to an appendectomy.
Here in 2025, things have not been much better. We’re approaching Week 11, and Lloyd has yet to play because of an apparently very persistent hamstring injury.
Put this week, there was a ray of hope when it comes to Lloyd and his mysterious tenure with the Packers: He was at practice, working out at a brisk pace.
As ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky wrote on Twitter/X: “MarShawn Lloyd and Jayden Reed appear to have ramped up their rehab. Both still on IR so no photo or video allowed but they were working up a sweat off to the side.”
MarShawn Lloyd Not Being Counted On in Green Bay
This comes just two weeks after it appeared that coach Matt LaFleur was writing off the possibility of a Lloyd return. LaFleur was vague in saying that Lloyd was sent to California to “get his body right,” and when asked about the possibility of Lloyd playing again, LaFleur said flatly, “I wouldn’t count on that anytime soon.”
Lloyd is still on the injured reserve, but could have his practice window opened at any time the Packers wanted to do so. he would then have three weeks to be activated or else he’d be sent back to IR. Strange to say, but given the point in the schedule, if Lloyd is to play in 2025, it’s likely he will have to show the Packers he is ready for a role sooner rather than later.
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