Packers Turn to MarShawn Lloyd as Jacobs' Status Clouds Season Opener
With Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List, the Packers are turning to MarShawn Lloyd as their starting running back for the season opener. Lloyd, who has had limited carries in his NFL career, took first-team reps at practice and expressed eagerness to play. General manager Brian Gutekunst said Lloyd looks ready and has handled the physical demands.
Lloyd's professional resume is remarkably thin: six carries as a rookie, zero last season, and just one regular-season appearance against the Colts in Week 2 of his first year, where he touched the ball seven times. His final college season at USC in 2023 featured only one game with more than 15 touches, making his sudden promotion a significant leap in responsibility.
The Packers' backfield behind Lloyd features Chris Brooks, a physical runner who has yet to prove he can handle more than a third-down role, and Kaleb Johnson, acquired via trade on Sunday—a player Lloyd had never met. Lloyd has participated fully in practice since May's OTAs and completed his first pro training camp without injury setbacks, reporting his body feels good.
This situation could reshape expectations for the Packers' season opener against Minnesota, as a largely untested running back steps into a featured role. Fantasy football managers and bettors may need to adjust projections, while the team's offensive rhythm could be affected early in the season. The broader implications touch on how quickly teams must adapt when off-field issues remove key players, potentially influencing roster-building strategies and fan engagement around the league.