The Green Bay Packers’ 2025 season has just taken a devastating turn, confirming every fan’s worst fears. In a move that feels like a gut punch to the team’s offensive depth, running back MarShawn Lloyd has been officially placed back on injured reserve, effectively shutting him down for the remainder of the regular season—and potentially beyond. This comes at the absolute worst time, just ahead of a crucial Week 16 showdown with the rival Chicago Bears. What was supposed to be a breakout year for the promising rookie has spiraled into a nightmare of recurring injuries, leaving the Packers scrambling and fans in disbelief.
Lloyd, the third-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, was envisioned as a dynamic change-of-pace back to complement veteran Josh Jacobs and inject explosiveness into Green Bay’s ground game. But soft-tissue injuries have plagued him relentlessly, turning high hopes into heartbreak. After initially landing on IR during roster cutdowns in August due to a hamstring injury sustained in preseason, Lloyd spent months rehabbing. The Packers opened his 21-day practice window on December 1, teasing a potential return for the playoff push. Tragically, that glimmer of hope was extinguished when he suffered yet another hamstring setback during Week 15 practice.
According to the NFL’s official transaction wire, the Packers made the tough call on Friday, December 19—merely two days after activating him from IR for the first time this season. Now, Lloyd is sidelined for at least the final three regular-season games and one playoff contest, with his future availability uncertain. At this point, it’s unclear if he’ll even attempt a comeback before the 2026 season. His stat line tells a tale of unfulfilled potential: just one regular-season game played in his career, with six carries for a meager 15 yards.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t mince words when addressing the situation earlier this week. “It’s very, very, very unfortunate,” LaFleur said on December 17. “This guy has worked his a** off to battle back, and to be in that spot again, what do you say to him? We’ll continue to investigate and try to figure out why this keeps occurring, but it’s certainly unfortunate. I feel bad, I really do. I feel extremely bad for MarShawn.” The team is now digging deep to uncover the root causes of Lloyd’s injury woes, which include calf and hamstring issues in 2025, plus multiple setbacks and even appendicitis in 2024. It’s a mystery that’s left both the player and the organization searching for answers.
This disaster couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment. The Packers, sitting at 9-4-1, are gearing up for a prime-time clash with the 10-4 Bears at Soldier Field on Saturday, December 20, at 8:20 p.m. ET. A win could solidify their playoff positioning, but without Lloyd’s speed and versatility, the offense loses a key weapon. Jacobs will shoulder even more of the load, and the team will lean on their depth chart to fill the void—but let’s be real, this is a massive blow to an already injury-riddled unit.
In a small silver lining amid the chaos, the Packers did make one positive roster adjustment: activating defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. from injured reserve. Cox, who has been out since injuring his groin in the Week 1 opener against the Detroit Lions, is set to return and bolster the edge-rushing group. This comes at a critical time following the season-ending injury to All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons in Week 15. Cox’s activation window was opened on December 1 alongside Lloyd’s and rookie defensive lineman Collin Oliver’s. While Oliver was downgraded to out for the Bears game and remains on IR (with his window closing Monday), Cox’s return could provide a much-needed spark on defense.
Still, the focus remains on the offensive catastrophe. Lloyd’s absence isn’t just a roster move—it’s a symbol of the Packers’ fragile season. What was meant to be the heart of a revitalized running back rotation is now wiped out, forcing Green Bay to adapt or risk derailing their playoff dreams. As they head into Bears week, the nightmare is all too real. Packers Nation, brace yourselves—this absolute disaster could define the rest of 2025.