The Green Bay Packers appear to be doubling down on their commitment to MarShawn Lloyd, signaling that a major running back addition likely isn't on the horizon—despite glaring depth concerns behind starter Josh Jacobs.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Packers' backfield picture is clear at the top: Josh Jacobs returns as the workhorse. But beyond him, the cupboard is looking bare. With Emanuel Wilson departing for the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, Green Bay currently lacks a reliable change-of-pace back to spell Jacobs and keep the offense dynamic.
While many expected the front office to dip into the free-agent market for a veteran complement, all signs point to the team instead placing its faith in Lloyd, a former third-round pick whose NFL career has yet to get off the ground.
Lloyd's journey so far has been a tough one. Drafted in 2024 out of USC, he appeared in just one game as a rookie due to an ankle injury and a bout with appendicitis. Hopes were high for a bounce-back sophomore season in 2025, but hamstring and calf strains kept him sidelined for the entire year.
Despite two injury-ravaged seasons, the Packers haven't given up on the 5-foot-9, 220-pound back. His rare blend of speed and power has the coaching staff believing he can still develop into a difference-maker alongside Jacobs.
"Everyone in this building wants to see MarShawn Lloyd succeed, both the player and person," Packers.com's Wes Hodkiewicz noted. "This snake bite he is working to overcome is unlike anything I've ever seen. Yet, Lloyd has never gotten testy with the media. He has answered all the questions and done all the rehab in hopes of getting his NFL career off the ground. Ben Sirmans talked on Wednesday about all the work Lloyd has put in to prepare for this season. With fingers crossed, the young running back feels he has answers now. Hopefully, Lloyd does because the talent is undeniable."
For Packers fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike, Lloyd remains one of the most intriguing "what if" stories in the league. If he can finally stay healthy, his explosive skill set could be exactly what Green Bay needs to take its ground game to the next level. But until he proves it on the field, the question marks will linger.