Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst recently provided a promising update on running back MarShawn Lloyd’s status. Lloyd, a rookie third-round pick, has been sidelined since Week 2 with an ankle injury sustained during a game against the Colts and is currently on injured reserve. With Lloyd out, the Packers have faced challenges in their running game, so his return would offer a significant boost to quarterback Jordan Love and the offense as they strive to strengthen their position in the highly competitive NFC North.
Speaking with Packers beat reporter Matt Schneiderman, Gutekunst shared that Lloyd is expected to come off injured reserve “pretty soon here, hopefully.” This positive news comes at an opportune time, as Green Bay has been dealing with other injury concerns as well.
The Packers could use Lloyd to add depth to their backfield, especially with recent injury worries surrounding star running back Josh Jacobs, who currently ranks third in the league for rushing yards. Outside of Jacobs, only one other Packers running back has surpassed 100 yards for the season, so Lloyd’s return would relieve some pressure from the team’s leading rusher and add versatility to their offense.
On the defensive side, the Packers have struggled without standout cornerback Jaire Alexander, who is dealing with a knee injury. Alexander’s absence was particularly felt in the recent loss to the Lions, where Detroit quarterback Jared Goff delivered an efficient performance, completing 18 of 22 passes. The Packers’ defense, weakened without their two-time All-Pro cornerback, allowed Detroit to control the game offensively.
The Packers’ upcoming schedule is challenging, with four tough matchups on the horizon. Two divisional road games against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions sandwich a home stand featuring the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins. Both home games could prove especially difficult, with Christian McCaffrey expected to return for the 49ers and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa regaining form.
At 6-3, Green Bay currently holds third place in the NFC North and sits in seventh in the NFC overall. With a tight race in the division, getting key players like Lloyd and Alexander back to full health could be critical for the Packers’ playoff hopes, as the franchise aims to avoid missing the postseason for the second time in three years under Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur.
