The Green Bay Packers have a weapon getting healthy who could be impactful down the stretch.
The Green Bay Packers have opened up the 21-day window for running back MarShawn Lloyd. Lloyd was Green Bay's third-round pick in 2024, but he has only played in one game in his Packers career due to injuries.
He could be an impactful addition for the Packers down the stretch. Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson have played well, while Chris Brooks has been great in pass protection. However, Lloyd could be the speed threat for Green Bay out of the backfield.
He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine in 2024 and showcased his speed during his time at USC.
In the 2023 season at USC, Lloyd rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns. He also hauled in 13 receptions for 232 yards.
The 24-year-old running back has yet to play this season due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the preseason, but he could be a spark for the Packers' offense.
Green Bay's offense had its best game of the season on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions. Head coach Matt LaFleur was more aggressive with his playcalling, and quarterback Jordan Love benefited, completing 18 of 30 passes for 234 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
The Packers will look to keep up this level of production with their most important games coming up. However, one thing the offense has lacked is explosive run plays.
Adding a speed threat at running back in Lloyd could help in that area, giving opposing defenses another element to gameplan against.
This would only help the rest of the offense to be more effective. Green Bay's offense is getting healthier with Lloyd close to returning, as well as wide receivers Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden.
With his full array of weapons back, Love should have a strong close to the season. He has been playing efficient football all year, but his numbers haven't been as prolific as those of other quarterbacks.
The Packers take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday in their most important game of the season. While Lloyd likely won't make his debut in that game, he is nearing a return and will be a weapon that Green Bay hasn't had out of the backfield.