An injury-filled summer will likely end in Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd starting the 2024 season on injured reserve. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the “expectation” is Lloyd — who is dealing with a hamstring injury — will go on injured reserve as part of the Packers’ reduction to 53 players on Tuesday.
UPDATE: Lloyd avoided injured reserve and is on the 53-man roster. We incorrectly surmised that Demovsky was reporting the team’s “expectation,” when in reality it was his opinion.
Under new NFL rules, teams are allowed to place two players on injured reserve during final cuts, but those players are allowed to return are missing a minimum of four weeks. Under old rules, any player placed on injured reserve before first making the 53-man roster would miss the entire season.
Lloyd, the Packers’ third-round pick, injured his hip early on in training camp. He returned and played eight snaps in the Packers’ preseason opener on Aug. 10 before suffering the hamstring injury. He’s been out of action since.
Going on injured reserve would require Lloyd to miss games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings before he’d be eligible to return in Week 5 vs. the Los Angeles Rams. Lloyd also wouldn’t be allowed to practice until he’s off injured reserve.
The injury is a tough break for a rookie who missed most of training camp and is now expected to miss more time during the regular season. Practice reps on the field are vital for first-year players.
If Lloyd does go to injured reserve, second-year running back Emanuel Wilson is almost certain to make the 53-man roster. In fact, Wilson could be in line for a legitimate role entering Week 1 considering A.J. Dillon is dealing with a stinger and has an unclear recovery timeline. Josh Jacobs is the starter at running back.
Lloyd’s lone rush during the preseason was an 8-yard gain in which he reversed field and got around the corner. He also caught one pass for one yard.
