Green Bay Packers rookie linebacker MarShawn Lloyd is a candidate to come off injured reserve and fill the 53-man spot left vacant by Tuesday’s trade of Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lloyd, a 2024 third-round draft pick, missed the last seven games with an ankle injury in Week 2.
“Hopefully, MarShawn Lloyd will come off IR soon, which could have an impact on this,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday.
The Packers have a bye in Week 10, so Gutekunst has until next Saturday to fill out his 53-man roster before Green Bay faces the Chicago Bears in Week 11.
Among his options is Lloyd, an explosive running back who wasn’t well as a rookie.
Lloyd rushed six times for 15 yards and caught one pass in his NFL debut against the Indianapolis Colts, but suffered an ankle injury and was placed on injured reserve. Lloyd also missed training camp with hip and hamstring injuries.
Matt LaFleur and the Packers started the season excited about what Lloyd could bring to the table as a running back and receiver. He rarely shoots for a 220-pound running back, and the Packers view him as a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield. However, if he returns to the lineup soon, he will have to make up for lost time.
The Packers currently have three linebackers on the 53-man roster: starter Josh Jacobs and reserves Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks. Jacobs is among the league leaders in touch and yards, while Wilson and Brooks are comfortable as backups.
Gutekunst wouldn’t have to activate Lloyd immediately. He can be designated to return and be given a three-week training window without being counted in the 53-man squad.
