Packers can't catch a break as promising rookie lands on injured reserve
The Green Bay Packers just can't catch a break with injuries.
Matt LaFleur's team has already had to adjust without star quarterback Jordan Love while also dealing with injuries to AJ Dillon, first-round pick Jordan Morgan, and running back MarShawn Lloyd.
Lloyd missed most of training camp and the preseason due to hip and hamstring injuries. He made his highly-anticipated NFL debut in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts but had to leave early due to an ankle injury.
Unfortunately, it's significant enough that the Packers have shut him down for multiple weeks.
Packers place rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd on injured reserve
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Packers have placed Lloyd on injured reserve and promoted Chris Brooks to the active roster from the practice squad. Lloyd will miss at least four games. It's an awful break for the rookie running back, who has shown promise when healthy.
Lloyd sounded optimistic after suffering the injury in Week 2.
"It's a sprain, so I have to figure out how, I'm walking pretty good," said Lloyd. "I'm doing everything pretty good. It's a day-by-day thing. I'm excited for what's to come."
The Packers leaned heavily on their ground game against the Indianapolis Colts, running the ball 53 times. Lloyd had six of them for 15 yards. His best play didn't count, a 16-yard rush negated by a Bo Melton holding penalty. While Lloyd didn't post huge numbers, he showed his speed and athleticism in limited snaps.
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Green Bay is taking the sensible approach. Lloyd is still recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered in the preseason. With an ankle issue now added on top of that, it makes sense to shut him down for additional time to help him get back to 100 percent.
Lloyd will miss the next four games at the Tennessee Titans, at home against the Minnesota Vikings, at the Los Angeles Rams, and home for the Arizona Cardinals. He will be missed.
Fortunately, some help is on the way. Chris Brooks is a talented player who only missed out on the Miami Dolphins' 53-man roster due to their outstanding running back depth. He deserves an opportunity, and it arrives in Green Bay.
Brooks had 19 carries for 106 yards for the Dolphins last season, and he was one of their standout performers during the preseason this summer.
He will join the Packers' rushing attack alongside Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson in Week 3.
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