Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd has struggled to establish himself since being drafted 88th overall in 2024. After appearing in just one game last season, his momentum was halted again this year when he suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason, delaying his regular-season debut.
Lloyd was placed on injured reserve, but he has now passed the mandatory four-week minimum absence. So, what’s the latest on his recovery, and is he expected to suit up for Week 7?
MarShawn Lloyd Injury Status and Week 7 Availability
Green Bay Packers running back Lloyd has struggled to establish himself since being drafted 88th overall in 2024. After appearing in just one game last season, his momentum was halted again this year when he suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason, delaying his regular-season debut.
Lloyd was placed on injured reserve but has now passed the mandatory four-week minimum absence. So, what’s the latest on his recovery, and is he expected to suit up for Week 7?
Lloyd’s early NFL career has been hampered by his hip, hamstring, ankle, and groin injuries. His latest setback came during his first action since Week 2 of the 2024 season, when he suffered a hamstring injury in a preseason game on Aug. 16 against the Indianapolis Colts.
The injury occurred in the second quarter after Lloyd made a 33-yard reception and absorbed a hard hit. He was unable to return to the game, and running backs coach Ben Sirmans noted that it was unclear whether the injury was caused by the hit or existed beforehand.
Lloyd was placed on injured reserve during the 53-man roster cutdown in August. Now that he has served the required four-week absence, the Packers can open his 21-day activation window, allowing him to return to practice anytime. However, despite encouraging progress, the team does not expect him to return this week.
“He’s getting closer, I would say,” head coach Matt LaFleur said on Wednesday, later adding a succinct “no” when asked if Lloyd would be back on the practice field during Week 7.
The Packers’ running game has remained effective in Lloyd’s absence, ranking 12th in the NFL with an average of 122.2 rushing yards per game through the first six weeks, largely thanks to the standout play of Josh Jacobs, who is ranked 10th in PFSN’s RB Impact metric. Still, the offense would welcome the return of another dynamic playmaker, especially one whose potential has yet to be fully realized in the NFL.
The Packers envisioned Lloyd as the perfect complement to Jacobs in the backfield, hoping his explosiveness could fill a missing piece in Green Bay’s offense. With consecutive playoff appearances behind quarterback Jordan Love and defensive upgrades such as the Micah Parsons trade, the team entered the 2025 season optimistic about Lloyd’s potential impact.
However, when Lloyd eventually returns to the 53-man roster, playing time may not come easily. Backup running back Emanuel Wilson has thrived in his absence, carving out a reliable role since 2024. As the change-of-pace back behind Jacobs, Wilson had a breakout campaign last season, accumulating 502 yards and four touchdowns on 103 carries.
Though the Packers have not leaned heavily on Wilson so far in 2025, he has continued to produce efficiently, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on 18 attempts for 84 yards through the first five games. With Wilson performing well, Lloyd will need to work his way back into the rotation and prove he can provide the explosive boost the team initially envisioned.
