The Packers drafted Marshawn Lloyd in the third round of last year’s NFL Draft out of USC and planned on him being the primary backup for Josh Jacobs ($7,100). He’s been sidelined by multiple injuries, though, and now he may not be able to return this season, leaving Emanuel Wilson ($4,500) as the Packers primary backup RB.
The Background
Lloyd began the season missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury, and had six carries for 15 yards while playing 10 snaps in Week 2. He also had an 11-yard run called back for a penalty and actually looked better than the final numbers indicated. However, he picked up a sprained ankle that landed him on IR.
He was designated to return from IR earlier this week, which opens his 21-day window to return to practice. At the end of that window, the Packers have to either place him on the active roster or lose him for the season.
Things were on track Wednesday and Thursday as he got in limited practices, and Matt LaFleur seemed to indicate that he would be activated by Sunday’s game. That plan was upended on Friday, though, since Lloyd now has a new obstacle to over, as reported by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky:
RB MarShawn Lloyd woke up this morning with appendicitis, Matt LaFleur said.
Since Lloyd’s 21-day practice window opened already and an appendectomy usually requires several weeks recovery, the Packers are talking to the NFL to see if there’s a way he can still play later on.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) November 15, 2024
The bottom line
For now, Marshawn Lloyd’s ultimate status remains in limbo, but he’ll be out at least a few more weeks. He could also be done for the year depending on what the team and the NFL can work out.
Emanuel Wilson ($4,500) will remain the clear backup to Jacobs and is the right handcuff in season-long leagues. Jacobs has been limited in practice this week even coming out of the bye week, so his status will be important to monitor and Wilson should continue to mix in.
The Packers are 5.5-point road favorites in Chicago this week, and Wilson is currently +425 to score a touchdown. He scored his second touchdown of the season in Week 9 and has at least four carries in each of his nine games this season, averaging 28.2 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry.
He should stay fringe relevant for as long as Lloyd ends up being out, and would be a must-start value if Jacobs ever misses time.
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