The Green Bay Packers could be without running back Josh Jacobs due to off-field issues. That means that they may need to lean on MarShawn Lloyd more than they expected next season.
More often than not, that wouldn't be an issue. However, injuries have limited Lloyd to just one game in the past two years.
Understandably, there are questions about his availability. The good news is that the former USC Trojan was in attendance at organized team activities, and head coach Matt LaFleur is confident he can help the Packers.
"Yeah, he's done a nice job, but we've only had one practice, so I think the proof will be in the pudding," LaFleur told reporters. "Like, he's got to show that consistently over the course of all of OTAs and the training camp into the preseason, and then we'll see where we go from there."
The Packers want to see what MarShawn Lloyd does in the offseason
Later in the exchange, LaFleur stated that Lloyd has shown resilience in the face of adversity over the past two years.
"He's had some really tough circumstances and has fought through a lot of adversity, but I think that, for a lot of guys that can fight through the adversity and stay positive, which he's done. I think you know there's a lot that can come from that in a positive sense," LaFleur said.
To round out his comments about Lloyd, LaFleur said that he possesses dual-threat capabilities, which should allow him to carve out a role on offense.
Chris Brooks is also in the mix. The Packers signed him to a two-year deal worth $4.8 million in free agency, so they probably expect him to contribute on offense in some capacity.
On the other hand, injuries could test the depth of the Green Bay backfield. This is why they've been urged to sign a veteran like Austin Ekeler. Another possibility, albeit an unlikely one, is to trade for Alvin Kamara, who doesn't appear to figure in the New Orleans Saints' plans.
Of course, it all comes down to whether Lloyd can stay healthy in 2026, something he's failed to do the past two years. And that's the thing, you can have all the talent in the world, but it isn't of much use if you cannot contribute on game day.
Hopefully, he'll be able to finally repay the patience the Packers have shown the past two years. He'll most definitely get a chance to leave his injury-marred start to his NFL career in the rearview mirror.
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