Packers’ frustrating development is hard to ignore, but it’s not something that requires panic or overreaction
MarShawn Lloyd was a third-round pick last year.
MarShawn Lloyd just can’t stay healthy. After a rookie year full of injuries and an appendicitis, the third-round running back was ready to have some type of role behind Josh Jacobs this year until he suffered another hamstring injury in the preseason.
Lloyd was placed on injured reserve to start the regular season, with a designation for return. He would be forced to miss at least four games, with the possibility of a return after the Packers’ bye. Well, wide receiver Christian Watson and center Jacob Monk both had their 21-day practice windows opened on Monday, but Lloyd hasn’t gotten back to practice yet.
MarShawn Lloyd NFL stats
- 1 regular season game
- 6 rushing attempts
- 15 rushing yards
- 1 reception
- 3 receiving yards
Concerning situation
MarShawn Lloyd suffered his hamstring injury back on Aug. 16, almost two months ago. It’s rare for soft-tissue injuries to take this long to recover, but the Packers certainly don’t want to over-accelerate things with Lloyd and put him at risk again.
Back in August, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t very specific about the injury, just saying he “would miss some time.” Well, two months for a hamstring injury is certainly some time.
Injured reserve rules
While there is a notable frustration among Packers fans, the Packers simply don’t need to make a final call on MarShawn Lloyd right now. He’s on the injured reserve with a designation for return, which means he’s not counting towards the 53-man roster anyway.
There’s no such thing as a season-ending injured reserve at this point of the calendar, and declaring him out for the season now wouldn’t bring any benefit for the team.
If you want to forget Lloyd exists and anything that comes from him down the road is a plus, fine. If you think the Packers should consider drafting another running back next year, that’s probably a correct approach as well.
But Green Bay doesn’t need to overreact. While this is a frustrating situation, the Packers wouldn’t have any advantage by acting with desperation.
For now, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks are two dependable and capable backup running backs behind Jacobs. It’s all the team could do for now—outside of hoping for the best with a talented player who hasn’t had the chance to show his value in the NFL.
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