It has been one thing after another for Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd. The talented rookie has yet to really have a chance to show what he can do because he can’t get on the field. Just as he was nearing a return from injured reserve, calamity struck again.
What is the latest injury for Lloyd, and when might he be back?
What Is MarShawn Lloyd’s Injury?
You really couldn’t make this up if you tried. Lloyd has somehow had four different injuries/issues this season. It’s as if someone is playing with a voodoo doll of Lloyd, poking at one area just as the other gets better.
Lloyd was on IR since Week 2 with a sprained ankle. Given how long this injury has lingered, it was quite a pleasant surprise to see him designated to return from injured reserve on Monday ahead of Week 11.
Sadly, that excitement lasted a mere two days.
On Wednesday, Lloyd woke up with severe pain in his stomach that turned out to be appendicitis, requiring immediate surgery.
Marshawn Lloyd injuries since being drafted by #Packers in April:
* Late-July: Hip, missed start of training camp
* Mid-August: Hamstring, missed Week 1
* Week 2: Ankle sprain, goes on IR
* Today: Woke up with appendicitis— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) November 15, 2024
When Will Lloyd Return From Injury?
Somewhat surprisingly, the Packers activated Lloyd off IR on Monday after Week 11.
Packers activated rookie RB MarShawn Lloyd off injured reserve.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 18, 2024
The Packers had more time, as NFL rules required him to be activated no later than the Monday ahead of Week 14 to avoid being shut down of the season.
Given the unique nature of Lloyd’s situation and the unexpectedness of his appendicitis, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers were simply trying to preserve his ability to return later in the year. Appendicitis typically takes multiple weeks to recover from, so it would be very surprising to see Lloyd back on the field in Week 12.
RB MarShawn Lloyd woke up this morning with appendicitis, Matt LaFleur said.
Since Lloyd’s 21-day practice window opened already and an appendectomy usually requires several weeks recovery, the Packers are talking to the NFL to see if there’s a way he can still play later on.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) November 15, 2024
As for a potential return timeline, things remain status quo. He is eligible to practice (but obviously cannot due to his appendicitis) and is the same as any other player on the active roster.
The good news is that the Packers will now be required to list his participation level at each practice since he is on the active roster, so we’ll get an idea at how close Lloyd is to returning based on when he can beginning logging practices again.
How Has Lloyd’s Absence Impacted the Packers?
When the Packers drafted Lloyd in April, he was supposed to be the RB2 behind Josh Jacobs. But since Lloyd has been injured for most of the year, it has been Emanuel Wilson operating in that role.
Wilson is a 2023 undrafted free agent who was highly efficient as a rookie, albeit on a mere 18 touches. He’s performed quite well as the change-of-pace back to Jacobs, averaging a respectable 4.7 yards per touch.
At this point, even if Lloyd is able to make it back later in the year, it’s unlikely he would be able to take the RB2 job away from Wilson.
It’s shaping up to be a lost rookie season for Lloyd. However, if he is able to shake the injury bug next year, Lloyd should have every opportunity to carve out a meaningful role as Green Bay’s RB2 and possibly even work this into a 1a/1b situation.