One major change that the Green Bay Packers made on offense last season was to become more focused on the run. In 2022, the final season that Aaron Rodgers spent in Green Bay, the Packers ranked 16th in the NFL with 124.3 rushing yards per game. In 2023, Jordan Love‘s first year as the starting quarterback, they ranked 15th with 112.1 rushing yards per game.
But after signing free agent running back Josh Jacobs ahead of the 2024 season, and due to Love being hampered by injuries for most of the season, Green Bay ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards with 146.8 per game.
The Green Bay Packers Were Missing Marshawn Lloyd Last Season
Jacobs was not the only running back that Green Bay added last offseason. The Packers also used their third round pick on USC’s Marshawn Lloyd, who was expected to be Jacobs’ primary backup in 2024.
Unfortunately, he was only able to play in one game all year due to a series of freak injuries.
Lloyd first got hurt in training camp and missed some time leading up to the season. After he returned from that ailment, he got hurt in a preseason game, which caused him to miss Week One.
He was activated for Week Two, though, and had six carries for 15 yards. Unfortunately, he hurt his ankle and was out for several weeks.
And then, when he was on the verge of finally returning, Llody was rushed to the hospital with appendicitis and needed surgery to have his appendix removed.
That, finally, ended his season.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Marshawn Lloyd Is Ready to Contribute in 2025
When the Packers started OTA’s, they did not have Lloyd practice with the offense right away. It is not that he is still hurt or anything, but rather that they wanted to re-assimilate him to practicing with the team.
By the time mandatory minicamp rolled around, Lloyd was back taking reps with the offense.
And while some may wonder if he will be able to stay healthy and take the second running back job from Emanuel Wilson, Lloyd has no doubt that he will have a good (injury-free) season.
“I play football,” he said. “I am very comfortable with everything I can do. I am not trying to prove anything to anybody. I know what I can do. I mean, if you’re watching, you’re watching.”
Wilson had a good season last year as the second running back, averaging 4.9 yards per carry while racking up 502 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Needless to say, Lloyd has his work cut out for him if he is leapfrog Wilson on the depth chart, but if he can, Green Bay’s rushing attack will be even better in 2025.
