Green Bay Packers’ running back MarShawn Lloyd has officially been cleared to return to action after spending several weeks on injured reserve (IR), and his return is sure to create a ripple effect on the team’s roster and depth chart. The 23-year-old, who was initially placed on IR in Week 3 due to a lower leg injury, has worked diligently to recover and is now eligible to rejoin the active roster. However, this development presents a significant dilemma for the Packers’ coaching staff, as they now face some tough roster decisions.
Lloyd, a highly-touted second-year player out of South Carolina, showed promise in his rookie campaign, logging 560 yards and 5 touchdowns on 121 carries, and his combination of speed and power made him a key part of the Packers’ backfield rotation. His presence was expected to be even more pivotal in 2024, with Green Bay shifting toward a more run-oriented offense to complement the development of their young quarterback, Jordan Love.
However, just as Lloyd seemed poised to take on a bigger role, his injury forced him to the sidelines, leaving the Packers scrambling to fill the void. In his absence, the team has relied heavily on veteran Aaron Jones and the emerging AJ Dillon, who have both delivered solid performances. The Packers’ rushing attack has continued to be productive, but Jones and Dillon have been forced to shoulder the load, leaving Green Bay with a unique situation upon Lloyd’s return.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst will now have to determine how best to integrate Lloyd back into the offense. The Packers have a strong track record of balancing multiple running backs, but this year’s backfield depth has presented an interesting challenge. With Aaron Jones being a proven playmaker when healthy and AJ Dillon showing flashes of his former self, the Packers will have to find the right blend of carries for each player.
One key consideration is Jones’ health. The veteran running back has been dealing with nagging injuries throughout the season, which have slowed him at times. While Jones remains one of the most dynamic backs in the league, there’s a growing need to limit his touches to keep him fresh for the stretch run. This could open the door for Lloyd to take on a larger role as a complement to Dillon and Jones, or even potentially take over some of the carries in a committee approach.
Another important factor in the decision-making process is the Packers’ offensive philosophy. With Love continuing to develop and gain confidence, the coaching staff may opt for a balanced attack, which could see Lloyd contributing not just as a runner, but also as a receiver out of the backfield. His versatility and pass-catching ability could make him a valuable asset, especially on third downs or in two-back formations.
The Packers’ running back room is certainly crowded, but the competition could be a boon for the team. Ultimately, the return of MarShawn Lloyd gives Green Bay a powerful weapon and a much-needed boost to their offense. However, how LaFleur and Gutekunst manage the backfield rotation in the coming weeks could be one of the most intriguing storylines of the Packers’ season as they look to solidify their playoff position.
In a season where every game counts, finding the right mix of touches for each player could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential—and keeping the Packers’ championship hopes alive.