The Green Bay Packers haven't missed a beat after AJ Dillon's injuries, as the standout play of free-agent signing Josh Jacobs has helped the squad keep pace with their division rivals while also overcoming some inconsistency from the turnover-prone Jordan Love.
Not only do the Packers have Jacobs at the peak of his powers, but they used a Top 100 pick informer USC staud MarShawn Lloyd. After an injury early in the season, Lloyd was placed on injured reserve. Luckily for Green Bay, he is nearing a return to a team that needs one more weapon.
While Lloyd's career with Green Bay will begin as a seldom-used backup, that hasn't done much to blunt the hype the team has for him. Even Jacobs, who has assumed the role of veteran mentor, is thrilled with what Lloyd can provide now that he's back.
"I make him ride with me on the way to practice every day," Jacobs said of his new running mate. He's going to be a good running back in this league. I'm excited to see him go this week...I mean, that speed you can't teach, man. The way that he goes in and out of his cuts, he's just electric. He's just electric, man."
Packers RB Josh Jacobs hypes up return of rookie MarShawn Lloyd
Lloyd never got the credit he deserved in college, as he was playing in a USC offense that threw the ball a ton with Caleb Williams running the show. With higher volume, he may have had the gaudy numbers that could have helped him get picked a few slots higher in April.
While the Packers are going to be a pass-first team now that Love is the starter, the offense looks much crisper when they can let Jacobs barrel his way forward for tough gains. Lloyd is similarly-built back who looks like a bowling ball when he can get enough speed built up.
What helped set Lloyd apart was his shiftiness and ability to break tackles at USC. While he only received six carries before he was placed on IR, Matt LaFleur's penchant for nailing his running back evaluations could lead to Lloyd starting his career off on the right foot.
Lloyd averaged more than seven yards per carry during his final collegiate season. If he's even half as good in the pros, the Packers can add yet another sterling young player to their growing stable.