In the NFL, availability is among the most valuable of assets, so the fact MarShawn Lloyd is reaching Year 3 with the Green Bay Packers despite his incredible injury history to start his pro career speaks to the amount of talent and untapped potential the 2024 third-round pick still possesses.
Now, Lloyd — who showed off how great he feels this summer with a backflip to celebrate following a touchdown catch during Thursday’s practice — is ready to reward the Packers’ trust.
“Now it’s my time to give back,” Lloyd said, via Mike Spofford of Packers.com. “I’m excited. I’m ready to go. I’m going to show them why they picked me in the third round.”
Lloyd played in one regular season game during the 2024 and 2025 seasons combined. But he got through the offseason workout program and the first week of training camp — including three padded practices — without an issue, suggesting he’s finally put his injury woes behind him.
A massive opportunity exists for Lloyd. While Josh Jacobs is entrenched as the starter, he’s also going through an on-going legal issue, and the Packers under Matt LaFleur have traditionally leaned on a backfield stable. Emanuel Wilson, for instance, touched the ball 254 times as a backup over the last two seasons.
Combine Lloyd’s injury history with the opportunity ahead, and it’s no wonder LaFleur doesn’t want Lloyd doing any more backflips.
How worried are the Packers about Lloyd’s availability? General manager Brian Gutekunst knocked on the wood of the press conference podium when asked about Lloyd staying healthy to start camp. The organization is so clearly in love with the player — his explosiveness, and playmaking potential — and also so anxious about another setback.
But everything to start camp looks good, including Lloyd’s first and last celebration flip.
There is work to be done, including important snaps in the preseason. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich made it clear he wants to see the young running back get hit in a game-like environment this summer. But don’t flip out: Lloyd is inching his way toward a breakout season with the Packers in 2026.
