Green Bay Packers Coach Laments Latest Injury For RB Marshawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans didn’t hold back his empathy when discussing Marshawn Lloyd, the second-year running back who can’t seem to catch a break. During the Packers’ preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Lloyd sustained yet another setback—a hamstring injury. It’s just the latest chapter in what has been an injury-plagued NFL career for the 2024 third-round pick.

“It’s just unfortunate,” Sirmans said, expressing both frustration and optimism. “You’re very supportive of him, and that’s why you just talk to him about, ‘You’ve just got to keep pressing ahead.’”

Despite the challenges, the Packers coaching staff remains committed to Lloyd, believing in his potential and his work ethic.

Green Bay Packers Marshawn Lloyd: Another Injury

Marshawn Lloyd’s hamstring injury happened during a promising moment against the Colts—a 33-yard reception on a wheel route from quarterback Malik Willis. It was a showcase of his explosive ability, but it quickly turned into another unfortunate end to an outing. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Lloyd’s hamstring strain, stating that the running back would “miss some time” but refrained from offering a timeline for his return.

This preseason mishap comes just weeks after Lloyd sustained a groin injury during the first padded practice of training camp. It’s a frustrating déjà vu for Lloyd, who has spent much of his short NFL career battling one physical setback after another.

Lloyd’s Injury History

Lloyd’s struggles began before his rookie season even kicked off. After being drafted in 2024, he started training camp on the non-football injury list due to an offseason hip issue. When he finally took the field during the preseason, he suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the season opener.

Lloyd played his first NFL game in Week 2 against the Colts, but the excitement was short-lived. A high ankle sprain forced him out of the game after just 10 snaps. The Green Bay Packers placed him on injured reserve, and when Lloyd was on the verge of returning, he experienced a new setback—appendicitis that required emergency surgery. That, coupled with his initial hamstring injuries, ended his rookie year before it ever really had a chance to start.

This year’s preseason was supposed to be Lloyd’s fresh start, a chance to prove why the Packers invested significant draft capital in him. Instead, the groin and hamstring injuries have brought back many of the same concerns about his durability.

Sirmans and LaFleur Stand By Lloyd

Despite the challenges, both Sirmans and head coach Matt LaFleur continue to show unwavering support for Lloyd. Sirmans highlighted Lloyd’s flashes of brilliance, praising his ability to create space and make defenders miss.

“He’s a guy that you like to get in open space, and sometimes he can create his own space,” Sirmans said. The running back coach pointed to a play against the Colts where Lloyd turned what should have been a 3-yard loss into a 4-yard gain with a clever move in the backfield.

Even with his limited playing time, Lloyd has consistently displayed traits that make him an enticing prospect. His quick burst, agility, and potential as a dual-threat back are the reasons the Packers continue to believe that his bad luck will turn around. LaFleur echoed Sirmans’ faith in Lloyd, calling him an “explosive player” and emphasizing his work ethic.

Looking Forward

The Packers have taken steps to manage Lloyd’s recurring injuries. Last offseason, they sent him to the Badger Athletic Performance Center at UW-Madison, hoping to pinpoint issues and create a tailored plan to prevent further setbacks. While these efforts haven’t yet paid off in full, they highlight the organization’s investment in Lloyd’s development.

For Lloyd, the road to durability remains as challenging as it is critical. His dynamic playmaking ability has been evident in the glimpses he’s provided, but he’ll need a sustained run of health to solidify his place on the Packers roster.

The Green Bay Packers open their regular season on September 7 against the Detroit Lions. Whether Lloyd will be ready for the season remains unclear, but Sirmans put it best when reminding everyone to stay optimistic about the young running back’s future.

“Hopefully he can rebound from this and we can get him back at some point,” LaFleur said. “Because he certainly has shown a skill set and playmaking ability.”

For now, patience is the name of the game as Lloyd works toward his long-awaited breakout.