INJURY REPORT: Setback For Packers’ Prominent RB As He Misses Tuesday Practice Due To Injury
Coach Matt LaFleur is expected to provide an update following Tuesday’s practice, along with the first injury report of the week. Additional injury reports will be issued on Wednesday, when the team flies to Sao Paulo, and on Thursday during their walk-through in Brazil.
On Tuesday, rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd was seen pedaling a stationary bike inside the Don Hutson Center, while the rest of the Green Bay Packers headed out to Clarke Hinkle Field for their final practice before departing for Friday night’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil.
Lloyd, who had at least participated in individual drills on Sunday and Monday when reporters were present, was the only member of the 70-man roster absent from the start of Tuesday’s practice.
Did Lloyd’s hamstring injury worsen?
“I feel pretty good. We’re just taking it day by day, honestly,” Lloyd said after Monday’s practice.
Lloyd injured his hamstring on his second touch during the preseason opener against Cleveland. He missed the final two preseason games and did not participate in the remainder of training camp.
Will he be ready to play against the Eagles?
“Honestly, I don’t know,” he admitted. “I’m taking things day by day. I’d love to play, but we have to be smart and see how things progress. It’s not my decision—if it were, I would’ve been back practicing a week-and-a-half ago. So, I have to take it step by step. It’s a long season, so I’m going to get ready. I’ll be ready whenever my number’s called.”
Will Lloyd be in action against the Eagles?
If he is, his explosive playstyle would nicely complement Josh Jacobs’ running game.
If not, the Packers may need to make a move at running back before the game. With AJ Dillon on injured reserve, the only other running backs on the 53-man roster are Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson. The practice squad includes Ellis Merriweather, who joined in November and made an impact in the preseason finale against the Ravens, and La’Mical Perine, who signed with the team this week.
LaFleur typically doesn’t rely on a single workhorse in the backfield, but that might need to change against the Eagles.
Fortunately, he has Jacobs. Over five seasons, Jacobs has logged 1,305 carries and 1,502 touches, averaging 300 per season. In comparison, Aaron Jones never reached 300 touches in a season during his seven years with Green Bay.
“I’m definitely excited to showcase that,” Jacobs said about his versatility this week. “I’m glad I came here and they gave me the chance to show what I can do. Coach trusts me to make plays, and thankfully, I’ve been doing that in practice, which makes it easier to call during the game.
“For me, it’s a great opportunity. I try to earn the respect of the guys and the coaches every day. There’s no better way to do that than in a game. Hopefully, it goes well.”