Packers can already get an offensive boost that will make life easier for Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers have won two games in a row, and the offense is coming from its most consistent performance of the season against the Arizona Cardinals. Things are getting back on track for quarterback Jordan Love, and there could be more positive pieces of news coming Green Bay’s way. By rule, rookie running […]

Wendell Ferreira NFL News Writer
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Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (32) runs with the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Caleb Johnson (48) defends during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers have won two games in a row, and the offense is coming from its most consistent performance of the season against the Arizona Cardinals. Things are getting back on track for quarterback Jordan Love, and there could be more positive pieces of news coming Green Bay’s way.

By rule, rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd can return from injured reserve at any point by now.

Lloyd was placed on IR after suffering an ankle injury in week 2, against the Indianapolis Colts. The third-round pick has already missed four games (Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals).

This means the Packers can designate him for return and open his practice window as early as this week. Green Bay would have the option to activate MarShawn Lloyd as early as this week to face the Houston Texans, but they could also wait. If they open a 21-day practice window, Lloyd won’t occupy a 53-man roster spot just yet. The team would have three weeks to make a final decision of bringing him back to the active roster or ending his season.

That's the situation they are in with defensive tackle Jonathan Ford, who is in the middle of his 21-day window.

Injury (un)luck

Since entering the NFL, MarShawn Lloyd has had a tough time staying healthy. During preseason, the rookie suffered a hamstring injury and missed training camp time and exhibition games. The hamstring issue made him miss the week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil.

Lloyd made his NFL debut in week 2 against the Colts, having six rushing attempts for 15 yards and one reception for three yards. However, he injured his ankle, and it cost him at least four weeks.

Roster situation

Right now, the Packers’ running back room has Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson well established as options one and two. The third running back is Chris Brooks, who’s a useful player but hasn’t had many opportunities.

Green Bay will have the option to keep the four running backs on the 53-man roster, or cut Brooks and hope that he clears waivers, which would allow the Packers to sign him back to the practice squad.

The Packers also have Ellis Merriweather on the practice squad, in addition to fullback Andrew Beck.