It feels safe to say the Green Bay Packers haven't gotten what they expected from running back MarShawn Lloyd. However, internal belief in his development and potential evidently remains high, albeit cautiously.
But don't just take our word for it — hear what the Packers' longtime running backs coach, Ben Sirmans, had to say. He's looking forward to seeing how the work Lloyd has put into overcoming well-chronicled durability concerns translates to success, but is also managing expectations.
During his recent media availability, Sirmans expressed that he and the Packers are still very bullish on Lloyd, though to an extent. Green Bay is seemingly no longer counting on the 2024 third-round pick to be bell-cow Josh Jacobs' primary backup and eventual successor.
"We're very optimistic, but I've been optimistic before," Sirmans told reporters (h/t Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette). "So we just have to wait."
Packers RB coach not getting hopes up about MarShawn Lloyd speaks volumes
By the sound of it, the Packers are viewing Lloyd as more of a luxury than a necessity, and frankly, that's the right approach. The USC product hasn't been able to stay on the field. Anything they get from him should be considered gravy at this point, given that he's been a non-factor since entering the NFL.
Lower body injuries have plagued Lloyd dating back to college and have reared their ugly head in the pros to date. There's no question he's had some bad luck, yet is it a coincidence if something happens repeatedly? Perhaps regimen has been part of the problem for him, which is why Sirmans is more confident this time around while staying realistic.
Sirmans is legitimately excited; the praise wasn't coachspeak, he gave credit where due. Lloyd has focused on strengthening his legs this offseason, and it's shown. Hopefully, that means he can stay healthy moving forward.
Lloyd has appeared in one game and logged 10 total snaps across his first two seasons with the Packers. He dealt with hip, hamstring and ankle ailments as a rookie, plus an appendicitis diagnosis that required emergency surgery. 2025 wasn't much better, with soft-tissue issues and a calf strain sidelining him for the entire year.
When right, Lloyd can be an exciting, versatile playmaker. The 25-year-old ran for 820 yards and nine touchdowns on 116 carries in his final collegiate campaign in 2023. He also demonstrated a dynamic pass-catching skill set by averaging an outstanding 17.8 yards per catch on 13 receptions (232 total yards).
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