Packers can get far more explosive on both sides of the ball as new updates arrive at the perfect time and spark potential boost
Running back MarShawn Lloyd and edge defender Brenton Cox are finally closer to being on the field for the Packers.
Yes, the Green Bay Packers have handled their fair share of negative updates this season — tight end Tucker Kraft and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, for example, are out for the year with significant injuries. However, there are also reasons to be optimistic.
On Monday, the team received extremely positive updates on both sides of the ball. Running back MarShawn Lloyd and edge defender Brenton Cox Jr. have been designated to return from injured reserve. They now have a 21-day practice window to be activated to the 53-man roster.
The Packers also opened the 21-day practice window for fifth-round rookie edge defender Collin Oliver, who is on the physically unable to perform list. Green Bay waived wide receiver Will Sheppard.
MarShawn Lloyd is finally closer
A third-round pick last year, MarShawn Lloyd is seen as a perfect complement to Josh Jacobs at his position. But he’s never been able to stay healthy — he’s appeared in only one regular season game since being drafted in 2024.
This year, Lloyd participated in a preseason game but hurt his hamstring. After going through a long process to avoid new injuries, the young back seems to be healthier now. He will get up to three weeks to practice without being on the active roster. The Packers can activate him at any point through these 21 days — but if it doesn’t happen, he would be out for the rest of the season.
Brenton Cox may be an impactful piece
The Packers also designated Brenton Cox to return. The edge defender had been placed on IR with a groin injury suffered in the first game, against the Detroit Lions, so he missed 11 games.
The timing is perfect, because Lukas Van Ness was in a walking boot on Monday, which means he could miss even more time. Having Cox, a speed rusher, is a good element to the defensive end rotation.
Right now, after waiving Sheppard, the Packers have 52 players on the roster. They will open another spot by placing Wyatt on the injured reserve, but the team will eventually need more spots if these players are set to come back — in addition to Jayden Reed, who’s been in his own 21-day practice window since Nov. 21.
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