Is This the Year MarShawn Lloyd Finally Contributes to the Packers Offense?
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers were excited when they selected running back MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The USC alum was considered one of the top running backs in that draft and his elusiveness and breakaway speed made him a potentially dangerous change-of-pace back for the team. Unfortunately, the Packers have barely seen what Lloyd can do during an actual game situation. In two seasons with the Packers, assorted injuries have limited Lloyd to just one regular season game. But the team is hoping that this will be the year they finally get some contributions from Lloyd on the football field.
The Packers were thrilled when they selected Lloyd. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry in his final collegiate season. Over his final two years in college, he forced 111 missed tackles on 259 total touches according to Pro Football Focus.
GM Brian Gutekunst gushed about Lloyd shortly after he selected him. “He’s a 220-pound man. He’s packed in a tighter frame but like his ability to make people miss, he’s got a little juice to him and, again, he’s 220 pounds, he breaks tackles,” Gutekunst said. “We think his best football’s ahead of him.”
The Packers have seen only glimpses of what Lloyd can do. He played in one regular season game as a rookie, a Week 2 contest against the Colts. He carried six times for 15 yards and caught one pass for three yards before missing the rest of the season due to injuries.
In 2025, Lloyd suffered a groin injury early in training camp. He recovered in time to play in one preseason game, had some memorable moments in that game and then suffered a hamstring injury that landed him back on injured reserve. Lloyd seemed ready to return later in the season and the team opened up his practice window only to see him again be shelved again and miss the rest of the season.
The Packers running back room lost backup running back Emanuel Wilson who signed with the Seahawks as a free agent earlier this offseason. Starter Josh Jacobs is back, but he is coming off a season full of nagging injuries that reduced his productivity by 400 yards as compared to the previous year. The Packers did re-sign third running back Chris Brooks. While Brooks is a good blocker and a reliable runner and receiver, he does not provide the Packers with a dynamic change of pace to Jacobs and is unproven as an RB2.
This week, the Packers assistant coaches addressed the media and running backs coach Ben Sirmans discussed Lloyd’s progress and again touted his hope that Lloyd will be able to contribute to the Green Bay offense this season.
“He did something that he hasn’t done before working with a [training] group,” Sirmans told reporters, “which was his first time in the offseason working with a group. So, I think that gave him a lot of confidence. He talked about how much stronger he is just in the lower half of his body, stronger than he’s ever been. So, with all those things giving him confidence, and he’s got a regimen that he does before we even go out to practice. So, we’re very optimistic, but we’ve all been optimistic before. So, we’ve just got to wait and see what’s going to happen, but he feels confident, I feel confident that he’s finally gotten to the point where he can be in there and be ready to play a full season.”
Obviously, the addition of a healthy and productive Lloyd would give the Packers a different type of weapon in the running game. Jacobs does his best work between the tackles while Lloyd is more of an outside threat who can break a long gain any time he touches the football.
The Packers have other options at running back. Damien Martinez and Pierre Strong, Jr. are both back fighting for roster spots and the Packers signed Jaden Nixon as an undrafted free agent. But on paper, none of them can add the dimension that Lloyd can add. Of course, none of that matters if Lloyd can’t get on the field and stay on the field.
So, is 2026 the year we see what MarShawn Lloyd can do, or will be become another great “what if” in Packers history, a player who could have been great if only he was able to stay healthy? The next few months will tell us a lot about the future of MarShawn Lloyd.
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Comments (46)
Cheezehead72
May 07, 2026 at 06:41 am
First let me say I hope that Llyod can overcome these injuries and stay healthy first for himself and then for the sake of the Packers. I would love to see him play and see what he can do. If he stays healthy we need as many players working with this training group that Llyod did. For years it seems that the Packers have not been as healthy as other teams.
I noticed that Gil did not mention Chris Brooks as an option. Why is everyone down on Brooks. I like Brooks. I cannot wait to see what he can do when given a chance. Many RBs do not run well until they have been given the ball. I believe MLF has not given Brooks a chance.
PackEyedOptimist
May 07, 2026 at 06:51 am
"The Packers did re-sign third running back Chris Brooks. While Brooks is a good blocker and a reliable runner and receiver, he does not provide the Packers with a dynamic change of pace to Jacobs and is unproven as an RB2."
?
Cheezehead72
May 07, 2026 at 07:57 am
Thanks missed it.
LambeauPlain
May 07, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Somebody must have moved your cheese, Cheesehead!
I like Brooks too. After being acquired, LaFleur stated the Packers had their eye on Chris since his 2023 rookie year as an UDFA for the Dolphins. He was on IR for the Fins all season. Released with an injury settlement the next September 2024 and the very next day Gutey signed him.
Brooks had a productive college resume...really shining at BYU.
In his prime now at 26. 6'1" and 220. Strong kid! Uses his strength and quickness to be outstanding in pass pro. His speed is only 4.6, but I noticed when he did carry the ball, he has vision & quickness into the hole...and follows his blockers. Rarely drops a pass. 2 years with the Packers he has averaged 5 yds/carry and 7 yds/pass.
Wilson was a great #2. Brooks as #2 can be too.
Coldworld
May 07, 2026 at 09:14 am
Because Brooks is not particularly athletic. He does the most with what he has and that works as a protector and surprise outlet on limited carries or targets. He’s never going to get around the edge like Lloyd can or even to the extent that Wilson could.
I don’t see any medical reason why any of Lloyd’s injuries should recur. However, I also don’t think a prudent GM can rely on him not incurring another and lasting the vast majority of the season. Fortunately, I think Strong and Martinez give us both a Lloyd type and a between the tackles option.
I keep hearing that Martinez is highly thought of. If he’s significantly improved his protection ability, he could yet be more significant in future. He’s a good between the tackles prospect.
GregC
May 07, 2026 at 07:20 am
I was thinking they needed to plan as if Marshawn Lloyd did not exist, but it looks like they're going to roll with him. I suppose it's too early to give up on him, but they don't want to use up four roster spots for RBs.
For what it's worth, they have two RBs on the practice squad who were draft picks--Pierre Strong by the Patriots in 2022 (4th round) and Damien Martinez by the Seahawks in 2025 (7th round). Strong is 5' 11" and 207 pounds and Martinez is 6' 0" and 217 pounds. The UFDA they signed this year, Jaden Nixon, is 5' 10" and 199 pounds--lighter than the Packers prefer, but maybe they could use him in a pinch.
Coldworld
May 08, 2026 at 06:49 am
Surely the optimal route is to go with Lloyd, but with a strong back up plan. Perhaps I’m being optimistic, but we’ve stuck with both Strong and Martinez for quite some time.
In the past we’ve churned that position a lot. We even only brought one RB into rookie camp and he’s (even after bulking up considerably, which probably explains his poor testing) sub 200 pounds and probably only return competition/insurance for Moore.
It seems to me like they think that they have a viable plan B and have been working to refine it. If Lloyd starts, great, if Lloyd struggles or gets hurt, I think we have an option in place that they feel is ready this year, based upon how they have handled this position since the start of last season.
Guam
May 07, 2026 at 07:52 am
It will either be the year Lloyd finally contributes to the Packer offense or it will be his last year with the Packers. Availability is the best attribute a player can have and Lloyd has not had it to date. I loved the draft choice when it happened, but the guy needs to play.
Starrbrite
May 07, 2026 at 08:10 am
I’m extremely excited to see what Lloyd can/will do.
I know—eye-rolls please.
Go Packers!!!
Coldworld
May 07, 2026 at 09:19 am
Lloyd would add a dimension we’ve been missing without doubt. If the worst happens and he can’t go, I hope we use Strong in that role and retain the speed to get outside the tackles as a serious threat as a tactical option in game, but also to counter the strengths of certain Ds who are very hard to defeat inside.
Starrbrite
May 07, 2026 at 03:37 pm
Agree CW
NickPerry
May 07, 2026 at 08:15 am
"The Packers have other options at running back. Damien Martinez and Pierre Strong, Jr. are both back fighting for roster spots and the Packers signed Jaden Nixon as an undrafted free agent."
Hmmm...Not sure I would call these guys viable options Gil. Hell, not sure they are even options at all. I was a bit surprised Gute hasn't addressed the RB position this offseason with better options, but perhaps Gutey will pick someone else up after June 1st.
I had huge hopes for Lloyd when he was drafted. I had huge hopes last season, thinking he'll make up for the missed time as a rookie. This year I have no expectations. I'll believe it when I see it type thing. I watched Lloyd when he was at USC pretty often since I live in Los Angeles.
I remember thinking that the Packers got a GOOD one when the Packers drafted him. I also remember saying to myself he's a THIRD round pick...By Gute...Aww Shit, he hasn't got a chance. Lets hope this is the year Lloyd stays healthy. IF he's healthy I think he could give the Packers something they haven't had in quite a while. A big fast RB who can run around you or through you.
Could be fun...GO PACK GO!!
bjkdad44
May 07, 2026 at 11:09 am
Why did you think …”aw shit!”??
Spock
May 07, 2026 at 11:54 am
Gute's third round picks have a reputation for most being "fails".
NickPerry
May 08, 2026 at 06:34 am
Thank you Spock, you read my mine.
NickPerry
May 08, 2026 at 06:36 am
Gute's third rounders, with the exception of Tucker Kraft, have been pretty bad since he's taken over.
The same could be said about his O-Linemen drafted;. Zack Tom is great, but Ted Thompson Gute is NOT!
Starrbrite
May 07, 2026 at 03:38 pm
Well said Nick
TKWorldWide
May 07, 2026 at 08:18 am
I think the roster moves (or lack thereof) at RB make it pretty clear that Lloyd’s going to get his chance this season. He’s talented, but can he stay healthy? Durability is pretty high on the list of necessary abilities at his position. Do past injuries predict future ones? Or can he “get over it” like some players have done before? Time will tell.
LeotisHarris
May 07, 2026 at 10:30 am
Yeah, it's good to hear he spent the off season working out in a group, and that it helped with his confidence and strength. I'm pulling for the kid (and not in a way that sees him reaching for his hammy) because he has all the tools to be a good back IF..., well, you know.
It's almost like he's coming back from a tour of Japan and has new submission holds no one has seen before.
greengold
May 08, 2026 at 02:45 am
That’s the thing, Leotis: Marshawn Lloyd returning to what he was when we drafted him, and maintaining his good health & great play with a more effective regimen that actually works could take him from bust to legend. A lot has to go right, but it certainly can:
First, the light has to go on in terms of - how - to stay healthy. Maybe he’s got that now, along with the determination to prove it by simply being his best game in & game out.
Second, he needs to return to form and assume his role in the Sexy Beast Tandem of Jacobs & Lloyd that Brian Gutekunst originally intended upon his drafting.
Third and lastly, Jacobs & Lloyd need to run over, around & through the rest of the NFL on their way to WINNING THE SUPER BOWL.
Easy. I’m pulling for him too.
TKWorldWide
May 08, 2026 at 09:50 am
The Sexy Beasts could be tag team champions, as long as their slightly modified sleeper holds don’t get banned.
LambeauPlain
May 08, 2026 at 06:40 am
Was the group like AA? IA? Injury-prone anonymous..."Hello, I am Marshawn, and I am injury-prone."
Ferrari-Driver
May 07, 2026 at 09:13 am
MarShawn Lloyd said he was the best running back in the draft. Here is hoping he stays on the field this year and proves himself right.
stockholder
May 07, 2026 at 09:47 am
Lloyd is a bust.
And being he hasn't played for two years.
Expect butterfingers.
He will cough up the football.
Not only was this a wasted pick.
And The fact that he picked Hopper
later that round.
Gute didn't know what pieces would fit.
Payton Wilson fell. He forgot value.
He forgot the warrior.
And he ended up wasting picks.
Throw in the trade for Walker's replacement.
And you'll understand why Gute
runs the packers like a Con -man.
Is his Love True. Or are we just seeing
a GM that doesn't understand the
seriousness of the draft.
golfpacker61
May 07, 2026 at 10:17 am
"Not only was this a wasted pick.
And The fact that he picked Hopper
later that round.
Gute didn't know what pieces would fit.
Payton Wilson fell. He forgot value.
He forgot the warrior.
And he ended up wasting picks."
One of the few times we are 100% in agreement Stockholder. I never got the Hopper overdraft or even picking him at all. Payton Wilson was arguably the best LB in that draft, along with Cooper. Yes, he had injury concerns, but he was healthy his whole senior year. He started for the Steelers right away and they love him. Meanwhile Hopper is JAG and could easily lose his job.
I don't see the Franklin trade as a bad move. Walker might be more athletic & younger, but Franklin has been more productive and won't make mental mistakes like Walker. Franklin is a solid, cheaper bridge to the LB we draft in 2027.
Coldworld
May 07, 2026 at 04:11 pm
Wilson was probably off our board medically. We don’t take those kind of risks knowingly. Darnell Washington was another I wished we would have caught as he dropped and we’d have been better for it.
In Wilson’s case, I do wonder how much play he would have got though. Cooper is a better talent in my view and Hafley did love McDuffie. Walker was a lock till this winter and I am not convinced that would have changed regardless.
McDuffie has been a bit of a roadblock and even won out over Eric Wilson, which baffled then and proved to be ridiculously wrong. P. Wilson probably would have faced the same problem Hopper has faced.
It kind of reminds me of Desmond Bishop. Play the not good but trusted and waste talent while not trying to get better, just settling. The Dean Lowry effect.
golfpacker61
May 08, 2026 at 11:07 am
"In Wilson’s case, I do wonder how much play he would have got though. Cooper is a better talent in my view." Cooper is a talent and I am glad we drafted him. Hopper apparently is not a talent, maybe JAG, Wilson was available and was a way better player. We would have had options at least because Hopper, like Monk, has basically just been taking up a roster spot. You can't convince me Hopper was a better choice.
I agree totally on Washington CW. Think where we would be right now with Kraft & Washington vs Kraft & Musgrave. If Wilson was off the table because of injuries, the Musgrave pick is even worse because he was always hurt AND he didn't produce squat in college. Schoonmaker would have been a much better choice too.
Coldworld
May 08, 2026 at 01:51 pm
I wasn’t trying to convince you. My point was that I suspect Wilson wasn't on our board and that, even had he been our pick, I’m doubting how much opportunity he may have gotten since. As to Hopper, he needs to play and not as a Mike. He’s not a bust he’s a never had a chance. Behind Cooper, rightly, but McDuffie, a coordinator favorite, came out first up wherever a ILB was off and at Sam even after Eric Wilson was let go. Not much chance.
jannesbjornson
May 07, 2026 at 12:45 pm
The whiff was not selecting Bucky Irving. Everyone could see he was the Jones replacement; except Gutedkunst.
golfpacker61
May 08, 2026 at 05:02 pm
Bucky's highlights were a pleasure to watch that year JJ. He could really make people miss. Who drafted him and how has he done?
PackerBackerAZ
May 07, 2026 at 03:15 pm
Lloyd wasn't a wasted pick at the time. He had the college resume for his draft status. There are no Nostradamus's to foretell future injuries to draft picks. The only truly wasted draft picks are those that don't get injured and can't play at the NFL level.
TKWorldWide
May 08, 2026 at 09:53 am
I’d love to hear you speak sometime.
Would your phrasing.
Be awkward And.
Stilted like the
Written-Version?
Maybe I just don’t appreciate the artistry of the modern day poet.
Lanny Poffo, anyone?
golfpacker61
May 07, 2026 at 09:50 am
"I think the roster moves (or lack thereof) at RB make it pretty clear that Lloyd’s going to get his chance this season."
I think that's a good assumption TK. But I also think it's Lloyds last hurrah in GB if he doesn't at least stay healthy for a year. GB will move on otherwise. I also think GBs plan could be Pierre Strong and/or Martinez. Both are bigger and stronger than when they came into the league. Strong is as big/bigger than Lloyd, and is faster. He ran 4.37 @ the combine. I think one of these 2 just needs a chance. The UDFA Nixon is just a smaller, lessor version of Strong at this point. I don't realistically see him in the running for the 53.
Options if none of those 4 inhouse guys are IT.
Emmanuel Wilson might have been just an insurance signing for Seattle until their 2 injured, actually drafted backs return, George Holani & Zach Charbonet. They also have Cam Akers on the team. Seattle signed the Notre Dame RB Price in the 1st round and signed the Falcons RB, Tyler Allgerer, who is better than Wilson. Recent articles indicate Wilson as RB4 or 5 at this point and he could easily be released. We could do much worse than resigning Wilson for vet minimum, he would have cost more to re-sign in free agency.
Arizona's RB room is overcrowded too, and they just signed the best RB in the draft, Love. Trey Benson is said to be the likely one to be dumped and maybe a late 2027 pick could get him to GB. Benson was the #3 RB in the 2024 draft, he is 6'0 220 and fast. This could be a homerun trade and a RB that could easily replace Jacobs in 2027 as RB1.
A cheap but solid vet RB that has been brought up in alot of articles is Antonio Gibson. He is coming off knee surgery but should be ready for training camp. Again, he is bigger and fast, he is a great pass catcher, solid runner, and a good blocker. Vet minimum probably. He would be a great bridge RB for 2026.
Austin Ekeler is a RB that has also been projected to GB. I would be a solid NO on him. He is 31 and coming off torn Achilles tendon surgery. He is over the hill for RBs and I can't see why the "Gurus" think GB would want him.
Best case scenario is in house, either Lloyd, Strong or Martinez. The most exciting and long term addition would be Benson, and would let us ignore RB in the 2027 draft.
Starrbrite
May 07, 2026 at 03:41 pm
No on Ekler—agree.
splitpea1
May 07, 2026 at 10:25 am
Who knows?
I understand the Packers didn't want to pay Wilson, so they must have confidence that Martinez and Strong could fill in capably if needed. Jaden Nixon would be a third option; although he's super-fast, he's also small in size and weight and pretty much one dimensional, so he's a long shot to make the team. Strong has a couple seasons of experience, but Martinez is younger and more of the workhorse back that the Packers may prefer.
It remains to be seen whether or not any of them can make the yards after contact like Jacobs can--a needed skill pending the improvement of our offensive line.
golfpacker61
May 07, 2026 at 10:49 am
It's funny Splitpea1, I have read multiple posts on here saying Nixon is really fast, but the only times I have seen are low to mid 4.5s. For being so small, that's not so great. Strong is legitimately very fast, he ran 4.37 @ the combine, and he is 30 lbs heavier.
Martinez is also a low 4.5s runner but is more of a power back. None of Lloyd, Strong, or Martinez is considered a good blocker, although Strong was seen as a decent pass blocker, but poor run blocker. Which seems odd because what runner would he have been blocking for in college. He was the man at South Dakota State and their bell cow RB. It was said he ran with power there too.
Starrbrite
May 07, 2026 at 03:43 pm
I’m a North Dakota State fan and saw P. Strong close up due to the NDSU and SdSu rivalry—he’s a solid—not spectacular player.
Oxymoron 3339
May 07, 2026 at 10:43 am
Two years left on his relatively inexpensive rookie contract. Let’s hope we get something out of it. We need it.
TheVOR
May 07, 2026 at 11:16 am
Well, i’ve been a fan of the NFL for over six decades. The one absolute I think I’ve gathered over that time, is there a lot of great football players. However, and unfortunately, not all of them have NFL durable bodies. Guys that have fantastic dreaded potential, and they can’t stay on the field. I personally think this dude has a snowballs chance in hell of being available this year. If this guy can’t stay available this season, He needs to be released and replaced with some other veteran, running back that can at least stay on the field and contribute. I quit believing in this player already last year. So I have zero confidence he’ll contribute this year. I obviously hope I’m really wrong about that. If you could ever stay available, he could definitely contribute. I just doubt he’ll stay available. My 2.
LambeauPlain
May 07, 2026 at 01:21 pm
Lloyd missing his first two NFL seasons due to ongoing injuries is not a good trend for an NFL RB prospect. Last year, after getting hurt out of the gate, he tried returning late in the season but got re-injured or never healed during his practice window, so out again.
Jacobs, Brooks, and Lloyd would be fun to see on game days. Lloyd would be a change up to JJ's fast ball between the tackles. Brooks can run, catch, and his forte is blocking.
Lloyd on the 53 would be all gravy. But if he cannot go again, I look forward to seeing what Strong can do in camp.
greengold
May 07, 2026 at 02:19 pm
It would simply be INSANELY COOL if the Packers can get the player they were hoping to add to this team when Marshawn Lloyd was drafted.
He’s such a great talent, and a healthy return to his stellar play this season would be nothing short of ideal.
Starrbrite
May 07, 2026 at 03:44 pm
Yes indeed.
Lare
May 07, 2026 at 04:47 pm
Unfortunately, I think Lloyd is going to join that long list of NFL prospects who couldn't stay healthy enough to produce on the football field. Hope he has success in his future endeavors.
barutanseijin
May 07, 2026 at 07:56 pm
Based on past performance, odds are Lloyd suffers another injury and is sent packing with an injury settlement.
WD
May 08, 2026 at 06:29 am
At long last music to my ears! Perhaps this is why Gute did not address RB in the draft. A healthy Lloyd will be a dynamic boost to our entire offense.. So many fans had given up on him, This is truly promising news. I will be cautiously optimistic. I am a big Lloyd fan.
MitchAnthony
May 08, 2026 at 03:16 pm
We will likely witness a medical first. He will be the first human to regrow an appendix. He will then have another apendicitis causing him to miss yet more playing time.
;)