When the Packers drafted MarShawn Lloyd in 2024, they believed they were getting one of the most explosive running backs in the class. The former USC standout averaged 7.1 yards per carry during his final season, and arrived in Green Bay with the type of speed and acceleration that can change games with a single touch.
Instead, Lloyd’s first 2 seasons became a frustrating exercise in rehabilitation. A series of injuries including hip, hamstring, ankle, groin and calf issues, limited him to just 1 regular season appearance. For a player who entered the league as a potential threat behind Josh Jacobs, the numbers have been startling. He’s had 6 career carries, 15 rushing yards, and more time in the training room than on the field.
Here’s some tape showing why the Packers were so excited to get him in the building.
Packers Marshawn Lloyd Seeks Medical Consult
Rather than spending another offseason simply recovering, Lloyd went searching for answers. Shortly after the season ended, he relocated to El Segundo, California, where he spent months working with performance specialist Dr. John Meyer at the Meyer Institute of Sport. The goal wasn’t to treat individual injuries but to identify why they kept occurring. According to Lloyd, the evaluation traced several of his recurring soft-tissue problems back to load carrying compensation that developed following a torn ACL earlier in his football career.
Here’s a great exclusive from Matt Schneidman of The Atheltic, who got the chance to speak with Dr. Meyer.
Packers May Need To Lean On Lloyd
Lloyd’s emergence may go from luxury to necessity depending on how the situation surrounding Josh Jacobs develops. The Packers lead back is facing pending legal matters that could potentially draw scrutiny from the league office, creating uncertainty around one of the offense’s most important positions heading into the season.
While Jacobs has denied the allegations and no league discipline has been announced, Green Bay would be wise to prepare for every scenario. That’s where Lloyd enters the picture.
Turning Heads During OTAs
Marshawn has been looking “freaky twitchy” and “explosive” during OTAs this year according to Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love. The clips coming out of camp so far have most Packer fans excited but nervous to say it loud given the track record of injury. Here’s a little sample of what people are seeing courtesy of Bruce Matson.
The Packers invested a 3rd round pick in him because they believed he possessed starting caliber talent. He may have the opportunity to prove that point this year. Behind Jacobs, Green Bay lacks a proven explosive option. Chris Brooks may be one of the best blocking backs in the league, but is not your 4 down bell cow.
With Lloyd’s combination of speed, power and big-play ability he could potentially be that guy. If Jacob’s legal process lingers into the season or results in missed time, the pressure will fall squarely on Lloyd to finally translate his potential into production. After spending 2 years battling injuries, the former USC star could find himself playing a pivotal role in the Packers backfield at a moment when the team can least afford another setback.
I’ll leave this with Lloyd himself addressing his injuries and taking ownership of his future.
