INDIANAPOLIS – In a flash of brilliance overshadowed by a familiar setback, Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd showcased his potential before injury struck again in a preseason clash against the Indianapolis Colts on August 16, 2025. The third-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, who has been plagued by injuries since entering the league, suffered hamstring tightness after a highlight-reel 33-yard reception, casting doubt on his immediate future with the team.
Lloyd, starting in place of veteran running back Josh Jacobs, who was among the 29 Packers players sidelined for the game, made an immediate impact in the Packers’ 23-19 victory. In the first quarter, he carried the ball six times for 15 yards, displaying the burst and agility that made him a coveted draft pick. However, it was on a critical third-and-5 play from Green Bay’s own 23-yard line that Lloyd truly shone. Matched one-on-one with Colts linebacker Austin Ajake, Lloyd ran a wheel route down the right sideline. Quarterback Malik Willis recognized the mismatch and lofted a precise pass, which Lloyd chased down, sprinting to the Indianapolis 44 for a 33-yard gain.
The play electrified the Packers’ sideline. “It was super nice seeing 32 back out there,” lineman Sean Rhyan said post-game, reflecting the team’s excitement at seeing their rookie make a splash after a challenging injury history.
But the moment of triumph was short-lived. As Lloyd reached for the ball, he stumbled, and a subsequent tackle by Ajake and Colts safety Rodney Thomas caused his leg to bend awkwardly. Lloyd was slow to rise, eventually limping to the sideline where he consulted with the medical staff. He reported tightness in his hamstring and did not return to the game. Head coach Matt LaFleur remained tight-lipped after the game, offering only a cautious, “We’ll see,” when asked about Lloyd’s status.
This latest setback is a frustrating echo of Lloyd’s injury-riddled 2024 season. Last year, the rookie battled ankle and hamstring injuries, as well as appendicitis, limiting him to just one regular-season game. He suffered two separate hamstring injuries—one during training camp and another late in the season as he attempted to return from appendicitis. Determined to overcome his injury-prone label, Lloyd spent the offseason at the Badger Athletic Performance facility at UW-Madison, where he worked on his biomechanics and devised a tailored workout plan to bolster his durability. He arrived at training camp healthy, but a groin injury sustained on July 28 during an 11-on-11 drill sidelined him for seven practices and the preseason opener.
Lloyd’s return to practice on August 11, followed by participation in a joint practice against the Colts on August 14, had sparked optimism. His performance early in the August 16 game further fueled hopes that the explosive playmaker could carve out a significant role in Green Bay’s backfield. Yet, the hamstring tightness threatens to derail that momentum.
The Packers, already thin at running back with Jacobs resting for the preseason, now face uncertainty about Lloyd’s availability. His history of soft-tissue injuries raises concerns about his long-term durability, especially as the team prepares for the regular season. For Lloyd, the challenge is not just physical but mental—overcoming the frustration of repeated setbacks while proving he can stay on the field.
As Green Bay awaits further updates on their rookie’s condition, the hope is that this latest injury is minor and won’t keep Lloyd sidelined for long. For now, the 33-yard stunner remains a bittersweet reminder of his potential—and the fragility that continues to haunt his young career.