A few months ago, MarShawn Lloyd would’ve been the last name you’d expect to see starting at Running Back.
But with Josh Jacobs ending up on the commissioners exempt list, Lloyd is now most likely the Packers week one starter at RB.
It has been a rather unusual path for Lloyd, who was drafted by the Packers back in 2024.
The third round pick out of USC has only played in one game in his two years in the NFL.
If there is one word to describe Lloyds career in Green Bay it would be “injury”.
Lloyd has struggled to stay healthy in his two years in Green Bay.
From hamstring injuries to appendicitis, the third year pro has only managed 7 yards in his short career.
Now, healthy, Lloyd will need to carry to load and help a Packers running game that wasn’t at its best last year.
Patience
The Packers have been patient with MarShawn Lloyd through out his time here in Green Bay.
While the Packers could’ve given up on Lloyd, they believe he is able to carry the load.
Running Backs coach Ben Sirmans says Llyod has done the right thing to get his body right.
“He’s proven that he’s done some different things with his body this summer and over OTAs. Prepares himself the right way,”
Llyod himself says he’s ready to do whatever he can to help the team.
“I’m a baller,” Lloyd said.
“You just gotta be ready whenever your number’s called.”
When Lloyd has been on the field, it’s clear why the Packers have stuck by him.
In just a small sample size against the Denver Broncos in week two of the Preseason, Lloyd show his quickness and elusiveness, something the Packers have been missing.
Lloyd also has explosiveness that can break open a game, which is why the Packers drafted him.
But the question is whether or not Lloyd can handle the load.
Thoughout his football career, Lloyd has never rushed for more than 820 yards or avaraged more than 12.3 carries.
But the load doesn’t need to exactly fall on him MarShawn Lloyd.
The Running Back Situation
Lloyd will most likley share some time with etheir Chris Brooks or newly aqauired RB Kaleb Johnson.
Brooks is primarly known for his blocking and has only 395 yards and one touchdown in his career.
Meanwhile Johnson has some experience last year with the Steelers.
Johnson has the potential to be the starting RB but only has 69 yards rushing last year.
He’ll have more opportunities with Green Bay but the Packers will have to be patient with him as he gets accustom to the playbook.
Between the three, it looks like the Packers will go with the Running Back by committee approach stating with Lloyd.
Whatever the case, it does seem like the Packers will truly let Jordan Love cook, until someone steps up at Running Back.
