Why Marshawn Lloyd’s Injury Is Particularly Disappointing for Packers

The Packers had big hopes for second-year running back Marshawn Lloyd.

In the midst of a strong training camp and impressive start to the preseason, Green Bay’s plans for Lloyd will need to be put on hold, after a hamstring injury could once again sideline him through at least the regular season opener.

The Impact of Marshawn Lloyd’s Injury on the Packers

While Josh Jacobs is entrenched atop the Packers’ depth chart, Lloyd had been separating himself as Green Bay’s No. 2 back, before getting injured.

“MarShawn Lloyd leads the Packers‘ backup running back job,” Nathan Jahnke writes for Pro Football Focus. “Lloyd played the most snaps and received the most carries with the starters in this game.

“Lloyd and Brooks were the two primary players. Lloyd played 10 snaps to Brooks’ nine over the first two drives. Lloyd played 10 of 11 snaps on first and second downs, while Brooks took all eight snaps on third and fourth down on the first two drives. This suggests that Brooks could play more snaps once the regular season hits, as Josh Jacobs is more likely to take a snap off on third downs than on early downs. However, if Jacobs suffers an injury this season, then it seems clear that Lloyd would be the running back to add off the waiver wire.”

Injuries have dogged Lloyd early in his career, which makes his recent injury so disappointing and troubling for Green Bay.

As a rookie, Lloyd was limited to just 15 yards, before his season ended due to an ankle injury in Week 2.

Given that the Packers were likely depending on Lloyd to play a significant role on the offense not just as Jacobs’ change of pace back but an insurance policy on the former rushing champion suffering an injury, if Lloyd misses significant time it could be a major blow for the offense.

At this point, as injuries continue to mount for Green Bay, general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur may be wise to keep options open, shopping the trade market and eventually the waiver wire for running back depth in the weeks ahead of the regular season kicking off.