Marshawn Lloyd: The Packers’ Next Big Thing in the Backfield?

• by Shimanta Das
• September 1, 2026

As the Green Bay Packers gear up for the 2025 NFL season, all eyes are on rookie running back Marshawn Lloyd. With Emanuel Wilson moving on in free agency, Lloyd’s main competition for the No. 2 spot behind Josh Jacobs has significantly diminished. The former USC standout, who was drafted in the third round, has shown flashes of brilliance in training camp, earning praise from head coach Matt LaFleur, who called him an “explosive player.” However, LaFleur also emphasized the need for discipline, a subtle reminder after Lloyd’s recent celebration penalty in a preseason game.

Lloyd’s path to a prominent role hasn’t been without hurdles. He rushed for only 69 yards with the Steelers last season, seeing action mainly on special teams. But now, with a clearer path to playing time, the question becomes whether he can handle a feature back’s workload. The Packers’ coaching staff is optimistic, but they’re also cautious. The team’s backfield is deep, with Josh Jacobs leading the charge, and Lloyd, along with others, will need to prove his reliability.

Meanwhile, the Packers are navigating off-field distractions. Josh Jacobs, who was formally charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property on Thursday, can’t practice or play while on the commissioner’s exempt list, and only Commissioner Roger Goodell can remove him. LaFleur said Friday that he expects Jacobs to remain with the franchise regardless of the outcome of the case, but the uncertainty could open the door for Lloyd to see even more snaps early in the season.

Adding to the mix, the Packers’ special teams and defensive units are also in flux. Second-year edge Collin Oliver will miss at least the first four games on IR with a calf injury, and the team is likely to rotate at that position to keep players fresh. As for Lloyd, his versatility and big-play ability make him a valuable asset. If he stays healthy and maintains his composure, he could be a breakout star in Green Bay’s offense, providing a dynamic complement to Jacobs and solidifying the Packers’ ground game for years to come.