Packers-Patriots Inactives Include Two Enormous Developments

For the first time this season, running back MarShawn Lloyd is inactive for the Green Bay Packers.

That means a new backfield for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Josh Jacobs will be in the starting lineup and Pierre Strong will be one of the backups. However, after being inactive the last two games, Kaleb Johnson will be back on the field.

Lloyd was added to the injury report as limited participation on Thursday with a knee injury. Lloyd practiced on Friday and was questionable. So, while he’s not necessarily a healthy scratch, it’s noteworthy that the Packers are going with Johnson.

After playing in only one game during his first two seasons, Lloyd hadn’t even been on the injury report this year. He participated in every practice throughout the offseason and training camp.

Kaleb Johnson Gets Another Opportunity

Johnson has been a nonfactor since fumbling at Tampa Bay in Week 4. In Week 5 against Chicago, Johnson played nine garbage-time snaps; he got the ball on seven of those plays. He played four snaps against Dallas in Week 6, when he got one carry for minus-2 yards. He was a healthy scratch the last two games.

“I think the more time that he’s spent here, it’s really helped him to develop and understand not just the culture, but the culture of the offense,” running backs coach Ben Sirmans said this week.

Then came the prophetic line.

“He’s a lot further along than what he was. It’s just a matter of opportunities coming up.”

Lloyd leads the team with 149 rushing yards but is averaging only 2.6 yards per carry. He hasn’t had a run of longer than 10 yards since Week 1. Johnson is next with 104 rushing yards. With a 31-yard run against Tampa Bay and a 23-yard run against Chicago, he has a 3.7-yard average.

“The one thing he’s done a really good job of is being a pro,” Sirmans continued. “He’s done a great job being on special teams, when you could go the other way in terms of your attitude, especially like when you’re playing and almost on the brink of starting to now, all of a sudden, you’re not, you’re not active. ,

“Some guys can go sour from that standpoint, but he hasn’t done that. He’s continued to be a pro. He’s continued to try to put himself in a situation where, ‘Give me another shot at it so I can show you what I can do.’ So, been pretty pleased with him from that standpoint. Still got a lot of season left, at least one half of it, so lot of things can happen.”

Packers Inactives

The Packers’ other inactives are linebacker Zaire Franklin (shin), center Sean Rhyan (ankle), guard Travis Glover (knee), tight end Josh Whyle (concussion) and guard Donovan Jennings (healthy scratch).

With Whyle out, Drake Dabney and Jonnu Smith will play.

As expected, cornerback Keisean Nixon (groin) is active. He has played in every game since signing with the Packers in 2022.

“We always talk about how your best ability is your availability and the fact that he’s been able to do that is pretty uncommon. So, he’s a ‘G,’” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said on Friday.

Patriots Inactives

The Patriots’ inactives include receiver A.J. Brown, who is out with a knee injury. New England will be digging into its depth chart with Romeo Doubs (shoulder) on injured reserve.