The Green Bay Packers are reeling as the regular season looms, with their offensive depth taking another hit. Rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd, a third-round pick in the NFL Draft, is set to “miss some time” after suffering a hamstring injury during the team’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to head coach Matt LaFleur, as reported by Jason B. Hirschhorn of The Leap. The injury, sustained on a 33-yard reception, adds to an already concerning list of ailments for the young playmaker, leaving the Packers scrambling to adjust their game plan ahead of their season opener against the Detroit Lions on September 7.
Lloyd’s injury is particularly devastating given the Packers’ already thin roster at the skill positions. With quarterback Jordan Love undergoing thumb surgery this week and the wide receiver corps running on fumes, Green Bay can ill afford to lose another offensive weapon. Lloyd, who showed promise with six carries for 15 yards and a 33-yard catch on a wheel route against the Colts, was heavily involved in the game plan, seeing a carry or target on 10 of his 11 snaps, per Eli Berkovits of The Packer Report. This workload suggested LaFleur was testing the rookie’s potential as a key contributor. However, Lloyd’s durability remains a glaring concern.
The rookie’s injury history is alarming. According to Adam Levitan of Establish The Run, Lloyd battled hip, hamstring, and ankle injuries, along with appendicitis, during his rookie season. More recently, he suffered an adductor injury after a hit from Nate Hobbs during practice on July 28. Despite recovering in time to start in place of resting veteran Josh Jacobs against the Colts, Lloyd’s latest setback has raised questions about his ability to stay on the field.
With Lloyd sidelined, the Packers are turning to running back Emanuel Wilson as the primary replacement. Wilson showed flashes of potential in the same game, rushing five times for 33 yards and hauling in a 32-yard reception. However, relying on Wilson alone may not suffice, and the team may need to explore adding a third running back to the roster before the season begins. The loss of Lloyd, combined with the team’s existing injury concerns, puts Green Bay in a precarious position as they prepare for a critical stretch of games.
As the Packers approach their final preseason game, the focus will be on stabilizing their offense and ensuring no further injuries derail their playmakers. For now, the team must navigate the early season without one of their most promising young talents, a blow that could test their depth and resilience in a highly competitive NFC North.