When MarShawn Lloyd went down during a Green Bay Packers training camp session earlier this week, the collective gasp from fans, coaches, and teammates was audible across the practice field. The rookie running back, selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of USC, had quickly become one of the most exciting storylines in Packers camp. His explosiveness, agility, and maturity had impressed veterans and staff alike, and many had begun penciling him in as a key contributor for the 2025 season. So when Lloyd grabbed his knee and dropped to the ground after a non-contact drill, fears of a season-ending injury immediately set in. Social media lit up, fans panicked, and the Packers’ front office held its breath. But after initial evaluations and further testing, the team delivered a collective sigh of relief. It turns out that Lloyd avoided serious injury, and while he will miss some time, he is expected to be ready before the regular season kicks off. For now, Green Bay can exhale.
The moment it happened, those who watched from the sidelines knew it didn’t look good. Lloyd was participating in a routine outside zone drill when he made a sharp cut and crumpled without contact. Trainers rushed in, players took a knee, and silence fell over Ray Nitschke Field. These kinds of injuries — especially non-contact ones — often suggest ligament damage, and with the memory of similar injuries to other high-profile rookies still fresh, the fear was that Green Bay had just lost a key weapon before the season had even begun. The initial fear, particularly from those close to the team, was a torn ACL. The team’s medical staff quickly performed on-field assessments and made the cautious decision to cart Lloyd off rather than allow him to put pressure on the leg. While that visual further amplified concern, it turned out to be more precautionary than necessary. By that evening, reports emerged that Lloyd had passed initial ligament stability tests. An MRI the following morning confirmed what Packers fans had hoped for — a minor knee sprain with no structural damage. The team announced that Lloyd would be held out for a couple of weeks but should return in time for joint practices and possibly the final preseason game.
That diagnosis was met with tremendous relief inside the organization. Head coach Matt LaFleur, who had praised Lloyd’s football IQ and adaptability throughout the offseason, called the news “the best outcome we could’ve hoped for.” General manager Brian Gutekunst added that the team would be “smart with his recovery” but emphasized that Lloyd was already walking without assistance just 48 hours after the injury. For Lloyd, the injury scare has now become an early career test of resilience. The rookie, known for his competitive fire and determination, has vowed to stay locked into meetings and playbook reviews during his recovery period. He has already been spotted helping other running backs during drills and engaging with coaches on the sideline — a promising sign for his long-term leadership potential. His attitude reflects the maturity that made him a favorite during pre-draft interviews and the early days of camp. According to position coach Ben Sirmans, Lloyd has “handled it like a pro,” and the staff is confident he’ll come back even sharper.
For Green Bay, Lloyd’s presence in the backfield is part of a larger strategy to revitalize their ground game. While Aaron Jones departed in free agency and AJ Dillon re-signed on a team-friendly deal, the Packers drafted Lloyd with the vision of a dynamic two-headed monster. His vision, burst, and receiving ability out of the backfield have already drawn comparisons to Alvin Kamara in his early Saints days. The Packers offense, now fully turned over to Jordan Love in his second full year as the starter, needs exactly that kind of weapon to take pressure off the passing game. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich had begun installing more dual-back formations and motion packages to highlight Lloyd’s versatility, and his absence — even if temporary — requires some adjustment. Still, the belief inside 1265 Lombardi Avenue is that this will be more of a brief pause than a derailment.
It’s worth remembering that Lloyd’s path to the NFL already includes a major comeback. He suffered an ACL tear in 2020 during his freshman year at South Carolina but returned to become one of the most electric players in the SEC before transferring to USC. There, he impressed scouts with his improved patience, pass protection, and route running. He carried that momentum into the pre-draft process, shining at the Senior Bowl and producing solid numbers at the NFL Combine. Green Bay, who had him high on their board all along, saw him as a long-term solution at the position — one that could thrive in cold weather, in big games, and in multiple offensive schemes. That background makes this minor injury feel more like a bump in the road than a serious detour.
From a roster perspective, Lloyd’s absence has opened up opportunities for other backs to showcase their value. Emmanuel Wilson, who flashed potential in limited reps last season, has taken more first-team reps in Lloyd’s place. The coaching staff is also giving extended looks to undrafted rookie Nate McCrary and third-year player Patrick Taylor. While none offer the same explosive potential as Lloyd, the competition has helped raise the urgency across the depth chart. The Packers are also considering minor tweaks in how they split carries during the preseason. Originally expected to feature Lloyd prominently in preseason Week 1, the team will now shift focus to Dillon and Wilson, while limiting wear and tear on their starters. That gives Lloyd time to recover while also giving coaches valuable tape on the RB room’s depth and special teams utility. Injuries, unfortunately, are part of football. But in this case, the Packers dodged a bullet — and they know it.
The reaction among fans was swift and passionate. On social media, Lloyd had already become a favorite among the fanbase thanks to his infectious energy and electric runs during open practice sessions. Many feared the worst when they saw the news of him being carted off, especially in the wake of recent high-profile rookie injuries around the league. But the news of his minor injury and positive trajectory has rekindled optimism. Packers faithful are nothing if not loyal, and the idea that Lloyd will still be ready for Week 1 — even if on a snap count — is huge for morale heading into a pivotal year.
What makes this injury scare even more intriguing is the timing. The Packers are entering a season full of expectations. After narrowly missing the NFC Championship last season and with Jordan Love looking like the future, Green Bay needs its young core healthy and productive. Lloyd was a central piece of that puzzle — a potential game-breaker who could help extend drives, keep defenses honest, and provide explosive plays in crunch time. His ability to be used in the slot or as a motion weapon added a wrinkle that kept defensive coordinators up at night. While his setback may delay some of those plans, it doesn’t cancel them. The coaching staff is hopeful he’ll participate fully in joint practices with the Bengals later this month, and fans are already circling Week 1 against the Chicago Bears as Lloyd’s official coming-out party.
For Lloyd, the adversity only adds fuel to his fire. In interviews, he’s reiterated that his mindset hasn’t changed. He knows that football is unpredictable and that the best players aren’t those who never get hurt — they’re the ones who respond. This injury, minor as it is, becomes part of his narrative: a young player overcoming a scare, gaining trust, and returning stronger. He’s already asked trainers for extra film study time and requested to shadow running back meetings even while limited. Those details matter to coaches and to teammates. It signals that Lloyd isn’t just trying to survive — he’s preparing to thrive.
So while the early August scare gave the Packers a jolt of panic, the outcome couldn’t be more encouraging. MarShawn Lloyd will be back — sooner rather than later — and when he is, expect fireworks. Green Bay believes in their rookie running back, and now, after dodging a major bullet, they can focus on integrating him into what could be one of the league’s most balanced and dangerous offenses. Packers fans, take a breath. The sky isn’t falling. In fact, the sun just might be rising on something special.
