Ask a fan of an NFC North rival whether they're worried about MarShawn Lloyd, and they'll probably answer with: Who?
And that's OK. Two years after the Green Bay Packers selected Lloyd in the third round, the league hasn't seen what he can do. Lloyd, despite his undeniable talent and potential, has missed all but one game due to some agonizing injury luck.
Now, though, there's cautious optimism. Hope. Tentatively, Lloyd has reason to believe this might finally be his season, and that will make his arrival even sweeter. Fans of the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings won't see it coming.
MarShawn Lloyd has passed one major offseason hurdle, and there's optimism ahead
Since entering the league two years ago, Lloyd has battled hamstring, groin, thigh, and calf injuries, among others. There was reportedly a belief that many of those issues could've been related to a knee injury he dealt with in college.
Lloyd has worked with specialists this offseason to help get his body right. According to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Lloyd spent time at the Meyer Institute of Sport in California. So far, so good.
He participated in the Packers' entire offseason workout program with no setbacks. The Packers were cautious and didn't have him participate in every team activity, but that was to help him ease back in, and not due to any injuries he suffered this spring. It's a positive step in the right direction.
Getting healthy is the main obstacle to clear, because there's no doubting his talent.
Lloyd offers speed and explosiveness that no other member of the Packers' backfield can. In a report from Matt Schneidman of The Athletic at training camp last summer, Lloyd "drew oohs and ahhs" from his teammates.
Jordan Love said last week that his nickname is "Yeet Cannon."
There's a reason why the Packers drafted Lloyd in the third round. During the NFL Network broadcast of the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniel Jeremiah said, "In my opinion, the Green Bay Packers just got the best running back in the draft."
Lloyd is the home-run hitter Green Bay's offense is crying out for. He can break out big runs at any moment, and that's before we even discuss his potential as a pass-catcher. Lloyd displayed that in the preseason, catching a 33-yard pass from Malik Willis on a wheel route. Lloyd highlighted his explosiveness and big-play potential on that play, but unfortunately, he hurt his hamstring and exited the game.
Another vote of confidence? The Packers moved on from Emanuel Wilson and made no notable moves at running back. They clearly believe in Lloyd.
He has game-changing potential in this offense.
Lloyd has cleared the first hurdle, staying healthy throughout the offseason program. It's the first indication that his tireless work with specialists is paying off.
There's still a long way to go, but there's growing optimism that we may finally see Lloyd get his opportunity this season. For fans of NFC North rivals, their response about Lloyd could soon go from "Who?" to "Who's that?"
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