An injury-plagued summer will likely end for Green Bay Packers rookie MarShawn Lloyd, who will begin the 2024 season on the injured reserve list. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPNLloyd — who is battling a hamstring injury — is “expected” to be placed on the injured reserve list as part of the Packers’ 53-player roster cut Tuesday.
Under the recent NFL rules, teams can place two players on the injured reserve list during final cuts, but those players can return if they miss at least four weeks. Under the ancient rules, any player placed on the injured reserve list before first making the 53-man roster would miss the entire season.
Lloyd, a third-round pick of the Packers, injured his hip early in training camp. He returned and played eight snaps in the Packers’ preseason opener on Aug. 10 before injuring his hamstring. He hasn’t played since.
Going on the injured reserve list would require Lloyd to miss games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings before he could return in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. Lloyd would also be unable to practice until he is on the injured reserve list.
The injury is a tough blow for the rookie, who missed most of training camp and is now expected to miss more time in the regular season. On-field practice reps are key for first-year players.
If Lloyd goes on injured reserve, Emanuel Wilson will almost certainly make the 53-man roster for the second straight year. In fact, Wilson could be in line for a legitimate role entering Week 1, given that AJ Dillon is dealing with an injury and has an unclear timetable for recovery. Josh Jacobs is the starter at running back.
Lloyd’s only tackle of the preseason was an 8-yard gain in which he reversed field and rounded the corner. He also caught one pass for one yard.
