A cocktail of injuries has kept Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd sidelined for most of the 2024 NFL season. There’s a chance Lloyd will work his back into the action, though.
Here’s the latest on the Green Bay rookie’s injury situation and how the team has dealt with his absence.
What Is MarShawn Lloyd’s Injury?
Lloyd has been no stranger to the injury report for Green Bay this season. He dealt with myriad injuries over the summer but then was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury after Week 2.
Now, it’s appendicitis that’s keeping the promising rookie sidelined.
Lloyd woke up on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 2, with the issue. He didn’t practice during the week and missed Green Bay’s Week 12 game at home against the San Francisco 49ers.
When Will Lloyd Return From Injury?
Green Bay had opened Lloyd’s 21-day practice window following his ankle injury and subsequent stint on injured reserve. The Packers placed him on the non-football injury/illness list to allow him to recover from appendicitis and still play this season. Lloyd’s year would have ended if he had been placed back on injured reserve for a second time.
Lloyd must miss at least four games and will be out through Week 15. The Packers close the season with games against the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears.
The Packers hold an 8-3 record, having won six of their last seven games. Two of their three losses came against teams ahead of them in the division standings. Green Bay lost at home to both Minnesota (Week 4) and Detroit (Week 9), placing them in third place in the NFC North. Despite this, they currently occupy an NFC Wild Card spot.
How Will Lloyd’s Absence Impact the Packers?
Lloyd’s injury troubles have been an opportunity for 2023 undrafted free agent Emanuel Wilson. While free agent signing Josh Jacobs has carried most of the load, Wilson has been a valuable change-of-pace back and a reliable option for times when Jacobs needs a respite.
Wilson has 312 rushing yards and one touchdown on 66 carries this season, and he’s also added another touchdown and 46 yards on nine catches.
Given Jacobs’ presence as the team’s bell cow and Wilson’s ability to contribute as a change-up, it’s unlikely Lloyd will figure much into the plans even when he’s healthy.
Green Bay does have confidence and hope in Lloyd, though, and he’ll be part of the team’s plan once the 2025 offseason program begins.