With Josh Jacobs recording the best rushing season in Green Bay since 2003, the Packers' running back room might not be the first thought when you think about training camp competitions. While the receiver and cornerback positions have seen players switch positions or be added through free agency, the running backs competing are all returning for their second year in Green Bay.
MarShawn Lloyd, the third-round pick from USC last year, is itching for an opportunity to see the field more regularly after several injuries put him on the sidelines last season.
"I love this game. I love this team. I'm just excited to help," Lloyd said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official website. "I think I can help. I bring an explosive ability and I'm excited. I'm very excited."
"I'm the type of guy, when it's time, it's time," he added. "When it was ready, I got out there and put the cleats on, it was all gas, no brakes. That's just my mindset, the way I go."
Lloyd dealt with awful injury luck in his rookie campaign, and he is ready to remind everyone what he can do in his second season. The former third-round pick can become a difference-maker alongside Jacobs in Matt LaFleur's offense.
MarShawn Lloyd has good reason to be confident ahead of second season with Packers
In Lloyd's final collegiate season in 2023, he rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns. Through 11 games, he averaged 7.1 yards per attempt, tying for the sixth most in college football, according to Sports Reference.
Even though Jacobs will be the lead back in 2025, Lloyd will have plenty of chances to show off his skills if he secures the second-string position. Last year, Emanuel Wilson was behind Jacobs on the depth chart, but still managed to finish the season with four touchdowns and just over 500 rushing yards. With Lloyd on the rise, however, Wilson's position has begun to be called into question.
Head coach Matt LaFleur is already celebrating Jacobs's mentoring of Lloyd through the start of training camp.
"I think Josh has done a really good job of taking him under his wing and [guiding] him," he said.
Despite the departure of Aaron Jones, the Packers found a lot of success through the run game last year. The addition of a healthy Lloyd could take some of the weight off of Josh Jacobs's shoulders, freeing him up to be even more explosive.