Packers pull off a savvy series of roster moves that keep the door open for a promising piece to return later this season
Running back MarShawn Lloyd was surprisingly activated from injured reserve.
The Green Bay Packers are doing everything possible to keep the window open for a MarShawn Lloyd return this season.
The Packers decided to activate Lloyd from the injured reserve to the 53-man roster, but will place him on IR again one day later. By doing that, the Packers force the running back to miss at least four more games, but the door will still be open for a return later in the postseason — Lloyd can’t play in the final three regular season games and the first postseason game, but could be activated down the road if possible and necessary.
MarShawn Lloyd’s activation brings a drawback
The decision, though, comes with a calculated downside. Any NFL team has only eight designations for return during a season, and it gets two more in the playoffs. Green Bay thinks it’s worth spending one of those for Lloyd, and two if he’s able to get back in the playoffs.
MarShawn Lloyd was placed on IR during the final cuts because of a hamstring injury he suffered in the preseason. After spending most of the season trying to find and solve the origin of the constant issues, Lloyd had his 21-day practice window opened on Dec. 1. If his window passed without the activation, Lloyd would be forced to miss the rest of the season.
Lloyd was actually listed with a calf injury until last week, when he suffered a new hamstring injury. That delayed his return once again.
A third-round pick last year, MarShawn Lloyd has suffered with a multitude of injuries and health issues. He’s played only one regular season game in the NFL, without significant numbers.
The Packers have Lloyd under contract through 2027, and the team still clearly believes the young player can be a difference-maker on the roster for a long-term perspective.
The corresponding move for Lloyd’s activation was the inevitable decision to place edge defender Micah Parsons on injured reserve. Once Lloyd goes back on IR, that roster spot will be open again. Possibly, Brenton Cox will be then activated from IR to give the defense more depth to help replace Parsons.
Green Bay Packers News
Packers must handle their timeline carefully with a promising playmaker whose availability keeps becoming an issue
MarShawn Lloyd will likely miss the rest of his second season in the NFL.
