Green Bay, WI – Packer Nation, brace yourselves! The wait that felt like an eternity is finally over. In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers have officially opened the 21-day practice windows for two key players on injured reserve: second-year running back MarShawn Lloyd and defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. This bombshell announcement, dropped via the team’s transaction wire on Monday, comes at the perfect time as the Packers gear up for a pivotal Week 13 showdown against the division-leading Chicago Bears.
Fresh off a thrilling Thanksgiving victory over the Detroit Lions—where they dominated 31-24 to improve their in-division record to a flawless 3-0—the Packers are riding a wave of momentum. But this latest development? It’s the cherry on top, injecting fresh energy into a squad that’s already proving it’s a playoff contender. As Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reported on X: “The Packers opened the 21-day windows for RB MarShawn Lloyd and DE Brenton Cox Jr., per the transaction wire.” Talk about a game-changing boost!
MarShawn Lloyd: The Explosive Back Ready to Ignite the Ground Game
Let’s start with the headliner—MarShawn Lloyd, the Packers’ third-round draft pick from 2024 out of USC. This Delaware native has been tantalizing fans with his potential, but injuries have kept him sidelined for far too long. In his rookie season, Lloyd saw just 10 snaps of NFL action, all in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. He made the most of it, rushing six times for 15 yards and hauling in one catch for three yards. Unfortunately, an ankle sprain in that game sidelined him, and just as he was poised for a mid-November return, appendicitis shut him down for the rest of the year.
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Fast forward to 2025, and the injury bug struck again. Lloyd pulled his groin in late July during the start of training camp but bounced back for preseason action. However, in a mid-August preseason clash with the Colts, he strained his hamstring, keeping him out for nearly four months. Now, with his 21-day window open, Lloyd has a chance to return and showcase the speed, power, and vision that made him a standout college star. At 5’9″ and 220 pounds, he’s built like a tank with breakaway speed—exactly what Green Bay needs to diversify their attack.
Brenton Cox Jr.: The Edge Rusher Poised for a Triumphant Return
Not to be overshadowed, defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. is also on the cusp of a comeback. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Cox had a breakout sophomore season in 2024, racking up four sacks in just seven games as a rotational edge rusher. His disruptive presence was felt early and often, but 2025 started on a sour note. In Week 1 against the Lions, Cox played only eight snaps before a groin injury ended his day—and his season up to this point.
Opening his practice window now means Cox could rejoin a defense that’s been holding strong but could use his pass-rushing prowess. With the Packers’ front seven already causing headaches for opposing quarterbacks, Cox’s return could elevate them to elite status, especially as they face tough NFC foes down the stretch.
How This Shakes Up the Packers’ Rushing Offense—and the Season
The timing couldn’t be better for head coach Matt LaFleur and the Packers’ offense, which has leaned heavily on a bell-cow approach since All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs joined from the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2024. Jacobs has been a workhorse, but the depth behind him has been tested. In Week 12’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, backup Emmanuel Wilson stepped up admirably during Jacobs’ injury absence. Yet, against Detroit on Thanksgiving, it was back to business as usual: Jacobs with 17 carries, Wilson with just four, and third-stringer Chris Brooks seeing zero rushes.
This reliance on Jacobs isn’t just strategy—it’s partly due to lingering questions about trust in the backups on crucial downs. Remember, LaFleur thrived with a committee backfield in his early years in Green Bay, featuring stars like Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, and AJ Dillon. Lloyd’s return could revive that dynamic, allowing LaFleur to ease Jacobs’ workload and keep him fresh for the playoffs. With Lloyd’s “substantial ability” (as scouts rave), we could see a more balanced, explosive rushing attack that keeps defenses guessing.
On the defensive side, Cox’s activation window adds depth to an already stout unit, potentially turning close games into blowouts. As the Packers sit pretty in the NFC North race, these moves scream “Super Bowl aspirations.”
The Road Ahead: Bears Beware!
With the Bears looming in Week 13, the Packers are positioning themselves as the team to beat. Will Lloyd and Cox make their debuts soon? The 21-day clock is ticking, giving the coaching staff time to evaluate their readiness. One thing’s for sure: Packer fans have been waiting patiently, and this “release into the wild” feels like the start of something special.
Stay tuned, Cheeseheads—this season just got a whole lot more exciting! Go Pack Go!