Packers vote of confidence in MarShawn Lloyd signals a running back move isn't on the way

The Green Bay Packers are set to have Josb Jacobs return as the starting running back in 2026, but there are major question marks behind the veteran in the position group.

With the departure of Emanuel Wilson to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, the Packers lack quality depth at running back, and as a result, Jacobs doesn't have a running mate who can spell him.

Though Green Bay looks towards free agency to address the need in their backfield, it sounds like the team could pass on signing a veteran and put their faith in a former third-round pick.

Packers give MarShawn Lloyd a vote of confidence

Lloyd has had a rough start to his career. The 2024 third-round pick appeared in just one game during his rookie campaign due to an ankle injury and Appendicitis.

The USC product was expected to have a major bounce-back season in Year 2 in 2025, but didn't end up playing a snap after suffering hamstring and calf strains throughout the season.

Despite an injury-riddled first two seasons, the Packers still have confidence that Lloyd could develop into a difference-maker for them as they seek another impactful playmaker to pair with Jacobs in the backfield.

"Everyone in this building wants to see MarShawn Lloyd succeed, both the player and person," Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com said. "This snake bite he is working to overcome is unlike anything I've ever seen. Yet, Lloyd has never gotten testy with the media. He has answered all the questions and done all the rehab in hopes of getting his NFL career off the ground. Ben Sirmans talked on Wednesday about all the work Lloyd has put in to prepare for this season. With fingers crossed, the young running back feels he has answers now. Hopefully, Lloyd does because the talent is undeniable."

At 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds, Lloyd's combination of speed and power is incredibly exciting. However, the 25-year-old won't be able to show off his dynamic skillset if he can't stay on the field.

With Jacobs getting older and playing through multiple injuries last year, Lloyd breaking out into a productive offensive weapon would be a fantastic development for Matt LaFleur's offense.