Green Bay Packers MarShawn Lloyd Suffers Yet Another Soft Tissue Injury
The frustrating start to MarShawn Lloyd’s NFL career continues as the Green Bay Packers running back faces yet another hurdle. On Friday, the team added a hamstring injury to Lloyd’s designation on the final injury report, ruling him out for Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. This latest setback casts significant doubt on his return this season and raises further questions about his durability.
Green Bay Packers MarShawn Lloyd: A Persistent Cycle of Injuries
MarShawn Lloyd’s rookie and sophomore campaigns have been defined largely by his absence from the field. The 2024 third-round pick was placed on injured reserve to begin the regular season following a hamstring injury sustained during the preseason in August. While there was hope for a late-season return after he was designated to return from IR on December 1, this new development suggests his recovery has hit a major snag.
Initially listed with a calf issue—an ailment that plagued him early in training camp—the sudden addition of a hamstring injury on Friday indicates either a re-aggravation or a new soft-tissue problem. This recurring pattern has prevented the explosive runner from establishing himself in the Packers’ offense, limiting him to just one regular-season appearance over the last two years.
Roster Implications and the 21-Day Window
The timing of this injury is particularly critical. When a player is designated to return from injured reserve, the team has a strictly enforced 21-day window to activate them to the 53-man roster. Lloyd’s deadline is approaching next week. If he is unable to practice or play due to this latest setback, the Packers will likely be forced to shut him down for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Given the current depth of the Packers’ backfield, activating an injury-prone player who isn’t fully healthy is a difficult proposition. The team currently has three capable running backs on the active roster, making Lloyd’s activation a luxury rather than a necessity, especially if his availability remains unreliable.
Seeking Solutions for Soft-Tissue Issues
The organization has invested significant resources in trying to solve Lloyd’s injury woes. During the offseason, the Packers sent Lloyd to specialists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later to experts on the West Coast in an attempt to address the root causes of his recurring muscle strains. Despite these efforts and the team’s belief in his potential as a dual-threat runner and receiver, his body has yet to hold up to the rigors of the professional game.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur is expected to provide more clarity on Lloyd’s status following the game in Denver, but for now, the outlook remains grim for the young running back hoping to finally make his mark in Green Bay.
