GB MarShawn Lloyd
NFL player. Position: RB. Team: GB.
Quick Facts
- Position: RB
- Team: GB (Green Bay Packers)
- Draft status: 3rd round, 2 years ago
2026 Outlook
Lloyd enters 2026 healthy after missing 35 of 36 possible games over his first two NFL seasons due to hamstring injuries and appendicitis. With Emanuel Wilson departed in free agency and Chris Brooks as the secondary option, Lloyd faces a genuine opportunity to contribute for the first time in his professional career. Coach Matt LaFleur's message is direct: prove it through consistent health and production. The question about Lloyd is durability rather than talent — two years of injuries have prevented him from validating the Packers' third-round investment, but the window to do so is now open if he can stay on the field (per Forgotten Packers offensive weapon is finally positioned to prove himself and timing could not be better for Green Bay).
Breakthrough 2026 OTA/Minicamp (June 12): After two consecutive injury-plagued offseasons, Lloyd participated fully in all nine OTA/minicamp practices without missing a day. This marks his first fully healthy offseason since entering the league and represents a significant confidence milestone. He worked extensively with tight end Tucker Kraft during the break, focusing on conditioning and body work. Lloyd called it "very rewarding" to complete an offseason unscathed, and privately trained with Dr. John Meyer (performance director for NBA's Clippers and NHL's Kings) between OTAs and minicamp to maximize his conditioning. If Lloyd maintains health through training camp, he could see significant opportunity in Year 3, potentially carrying the ball multiple times in Week 1 alone depending on Josh Jacobs' availability and performance. (per Biggest Packers Injury Update From Minicamp? That's Easy)
Emerging backup threat to Jacobs (July 11, 2026): RotoBaller highlights Lloyd as a real threat to Josh Jacobs' 2026 fantasy value. With Jacobs showing efficiency declines and reduced receiving work after injuries, Lloyd's arrival healthy from two seasons of injury recovery creates competition. Fantasy analysts note that if Lloyd is "truly healthy"—something Packers beat writer Bill Huber flagged during OTAs—Green Bay could take load management approaches, rotating Lloyd into the backfield to keep Jacobs fresh and extend his career. This risk elevates Lloyd's stash value in deeper leagues and creates a hedging opportunity against Jacobs' aging profile and declining efficiency. (per 5 Early-Round Fantasy Football Busts, League-Losers: Adam's Must-Avoid Draft Picks (2026))
July 30 training camp surge: Early training camp reports show Lloyd continuing to showcase flashes of his considerable talent, looking "like he was shot out of a cannon" on an impressive touchdown run. With Chris Brooks placed on the non-football injury list, Lloyd is getting the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in practice and has a real chance to win the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, potentially running away with the backup role. (per Packers fantasy football tracker: Every training camp and preseason update - Lombardi Ave)
August 7: Elevated to primary backup role: Lloyd earned first-team reps during training camp while Josh Jacobs sat out, catching a touchdown pass and executing a celebratory backflip that drew coach Matt LaFleur's attention (LaFleur counseled against repeat backflips citing injury risk). Lloyd is now set as the primary backup to Jacobs and remains one injury away from a significant featured role. GM Brian Gutekunst praised Lloyd's impact, noting "every time he's gotten an opportunity...he's been impactful" and continues to turn heads. (per Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd's backflip shows he's finally healthy)
ZeroRB sleeper upside (August 8): Lloyd profiles as a late-round draft-and-stash option with exceptional athleticism (88th-percentile Speed Score, 79th-percentile Freak Score) backing his upside. If Jacobs misses time, Lloyd should handle the majority of carries. His college YAC profile (3.97 YAC with 52.1% missed-tackle force rate, highest in the 2026 draft class) and athletic comparables to Doug Martin, Cam Akers, and Robert Turbin suggest significant RB2 upside in a leading role. The key variable remains health; at his modest draft price, Lloyd represents valuable contingent upside in ZeroRB builds (per Running Back Fantasy Football Sleepers for ZeroRB Builds: 5 Later-Round Draft Values (2026))
Aug 11 — Perfect-10 health milestone: Sports Illustrated's Packers training camp report highlights Lloyd's transformational season opener as the "perfect-10" story of camp—full participation in all first 10 practices with zero injuries or setbacks. This marks his first extended healthy streak since entering the league. Versatile teammate Chris Brooks noted Lloyd "plays at a different speed" and possesses "special" ability with "the sky the limit" for his capabilities. His trajectory from injury-plagued reserve to healthy backup capable of RB1/RB2 upside if Jacobs misses time makes him a late-round stash target, particularly in deeper leagues or ZeroRB builds (per 15 Winners and Losers From First 10 Practices of Packers Training Camp - Sports Illustrated).
Aug 26 — Positioned as suspension contingency: With Packers preparing for a potential Josh Jacobs suspension, Lloyd would "likely function as Green Bay's lead back" if Jacobs misses regular season games. Lloyd stayed healthy through offseason training and training camp, and showed up in preseason Week 1 (vs Denver) playing 5 of 7 snaps on the first drive with starters, demonstrating his elevated opportunity. (per Packers 'preparing' for Jacobs suspension - NBC Sports)
Aug 28 — Jacobs charged, Lloyd likely to inherit lead role: Following formal charges filed against Josh Jacobs for misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property, the NFL is expected to issue a six-game suspension for first domestic violence offense. If suspended, Lloyd would step into the lead back role despite his limited NFL experience (6 career carries, 15 yards in two seasons). The Packers' backup depth remains unproven: Chris Brooks has 395 rushing yards over three seasons, and Pierre Strong has 499 yards. Lloyd's health breakout and demonstration of "special" athletic ability during training camp position him as the primary replacement if Jacobs misses significant time. This represents significant 2026 fantasy opportunity for a ZeroRB contingency if his durability continues and a Jacobs suspension materializes. (per Packers RB Josh Jacobs charged after May arrest for domestic incident, could face NFL suspension - Yahoo Sports)
Aug 31 pre-Week 1 positioning — starter status (Sept 18): Lloyd is expected to serve as the starting running back to open the 2026 season with Josh Jacobs on the commissioner exempt list. His ADP has skyrocketed following this clarification. Fantasy outlook ranges from solid RB3/flex floor to RB2 ceiling depending on workload dominance. The Packers added depth with Kaleb Johnson trade for backup competition, but Lloyd is the clear lead-back target. Chris Brooks remains in the mix for touches. Lloyd's basement is a solid RB3 or flex fantasy, with upside into RB2 neighborhood if he dominates backfield touches. (per The Fantasy Outlook for Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd - Yahoo Sports)
Aug 30 — Jacobs placed on commissioner exempt list, Lloyd now lead back: The NFL placed Josh Jacobs on the commissioner exempt list on Aug 30, 2026, effective immediately. He cannot practice or play while on the list, though he continues to be paid. Lloyd is now positioned to be the Packers' lead running back for the start of the 2026 season and Week 1 against the Vikings if Jacobs' suspension extends into the regular season. This represents an urgent top-10 RB opportunity if Lloyd's health holds through the season opener on Sept. 13. With the Packers also acquiring Kaleb Johnson in a late trade (Aug 30) from Pittsburgh, Lloyd faces competition for lead-back carries, but he remains the primary option. (per NFL places Packers RB Josh Jacobs on commissioner exempt list - NFL.com, NFL places Josh Jacobs on paid leave - NBC Sports, Packers RB Josh Jacobs placed on commissioner exempt list - ESPN)
Sept 1 — ADP surge (+20.6 spots): Lloyd skyrocketed in Yahoo fantasy ADP, rising 20.6 spots to reach the RB15-16 range as drafters positioned him as the lead-back contingency for a Jacobs absence that could extend 6 weeks or longer. Yahoo experts recommend drafting Lloyd around RB30 as a lottery ticket with major upside if Jacobs' suspension extends into the regular season, though acknowledge the backfield as "one of the more convoluted situations in recent fantasy history." While Lloyd has no guarantee to start, he's the prospective frontrunner ahead of Chris Brooks and Kaleb Johnson. (per 2026 Fantasy Football: MarShawn Lloyd, TreVeyon Henderson among biggest ADP risers, fallers as of Sept. 1)
FantasyPros Sept 2 — single biggest riser: Lloyd posted the single biggest ADP rise on the board, jumping 66+ spots over one week. With Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List, Lloyd immediately became the presumed lead back in a good Green Bay offense. Despite the caveat that the Packers also acquired Kaleb Johnson, Lloyd remains the frontrunner for the job, now drafted in the late-RB2 to top-RB3 range (around pick 83). Analysts note the Packers backfield is volatile but acknowledge Lloyd's late-round upside is significant if he maintains health and Jacobs' absence extends into the regular season (per 14 Fantasy Football ADP Risers & Fallers (2026) - FantasyPros).
Sept 3 — Week 1 readiness: Lloyd expressed full confidence and eagerness heading into the season opener: "I'm ready to play as much as they want me to play. I'm excited. It's a dream come true playing for the Packers." His preseason tape showed polish—10 carries for 30 yards and 2 catches for 7 yards and a touchdown in limited preseason action. GM Brian Gutekunst doubled down on Lloyd's health and readiness, saying Lloyd is "as ready as he's ever been" and that each week he plays, "you're going to see a better and better MarShawn." Lloyd's confidence and demonstrated health through OTAs, training camp, and preseason make him a credible Day 1 fantasy option if Jacobs' suspension extends into the regular season (per Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd: 'I'm ready to play as much as they want me to play').
Week 1 performance + Jacobs suspension timeline (Sept 19): Lloyd led the Packers with 13 carries for 37 yards (2.8 yards per carry) in the Week 1 loss to Minnesota (39-22). ESPN's Fowler reported the NFL suspension for Jacobs is likely in the 4-6 game range. If the exempt list time counts toward suspension, a four-game suspension would cover Weeks 2-4 (Jets, Falcons at home, Buccaneers away) with Jacobs returning Week 5. A six-game suspension extends through Week 6. Despite the early underwhelming performance (2.8 yards per carry), Lloyd remains the clear lead back if Jacobs misses time, currently slotted as RB28 against the Jets in Week 2. Coach Matt LaFleur noted Lloyd has "shown a lot of confidence" handling the top job (per Josh Jacobs suspension timeline makes MarShawn Lloyd a high-stakes fantasy football decision).
Sept 4 — ADP surge continues (+15.5 spots): FTN's latest ADP tracking shows Lloyd as the biggest riser among running backs, climbing 15.5 spots over the week as Josh Jacobs' Exempt List status crystallizes his path to lead-back opportunity. Despite the Packers' acquisition of Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks on the depth chart, Lloyd remains the consensus frontrunner. Fantasy experts view him as the next-best opportunity after top RBs if Jacobs is sidelined. (per One Last Check on Fantasy Football ADP - FTN)
Sept 4-5 risk update (SI analysis): Sports Illustrated cautions that Lloyd owners face significant risk if Josh Jacobs returns earlier than expected. With Jacobs' court date moved to September 10, he could potentially return as early as October after serving time on the commissioner's exempt list. This means Lloyd's elevated role as starting RB could be "short-lived." The article recommends treating Lloyd as a low-end flex option at best, since his value depends on an extended Jacobs absence that may not materialize. Fantasy managers who paid up for Lloyd as a top-30 RB back should expect caution—his ADP spike reflects contingency value, not guaranteed starter status (per The Latest Josh Jacobs News Should Make MarShawn Lloyd Fantasy Football Owners Very Nervous).
Sept 8 — Committee backfield reality check: Green Bay offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich tempered expectations heading into Week 1, stating "it's gonna be running back by committee for a little while, just to kinda see where everyone's at." Stenavich refused to commit Lloyd to a specific number of touches, saying only that the Packers "definitely want to get him the ball" but must evaluate Chris Brooks and newly acquired Kaleb Johnson. Lloyd's recent ADP spike to RB15-16 range now looks premature—he's a risk/reward flex play in Week 1, not a locked-in lead back despite Jacobs being on the Commissioner's Exempt List (per Latest fantasy football news: Committee for Packers RBs; Kittle on track to play Week 1 - The New York Times).
Sept 8 waiver wire pick: Fantasy Alarm identifies Lloyd as the top RB waiver pick for Week 1, with a recommendation to spend 25-50% FAAB due to the Josh Jacobs suspension uncertainty. The analysis emphasizes that early-season waiver advantage comes from taking advantage of Jacobs' commissioner exempt list status, with Lloyd positioned to handle lead-back duties in games where Jacobs is unavailable. Lloyd's college YAC profile and athletic comparables (Doug Martin, Cam Akers) support the high-priority recommendation despite concerns about whether his elevated role proves short-lived (per 2026 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 1: MarShawn Lloyd, Ja'Kobi Lane Top Picks).
Sept 10 — Short-term opportunity window: With Josh Jacobs' plea deal closing the legal chapter, the NFL can now proceed with disciplinary action—likely a 6-game suspension that could return Jacobs mid-season. Lloyd owners face risk that his current elevated draft position (RB15-16) reflects a "short-lived" opportunity. If Jacobs is suspended early (Weeks 1-7), Lloyd has 6 weeks of lead-back usage. If the suspension is pushed later in the season, Lloyd's value collapses once Jacobs returns. This creates a high-risk, high-reward window where Lloyd's fantasy value is contingent on exact suspension timing, making him appropriate only as a late-round stash or contingency flex, not a locked-in RB2 (per Marshawn Lloyd Fantasy Football Stock Could Tumble After Josh Jacobs News - Sports Illustrated).
Sept 11 — Week 1 starting assignment confirmed: Following Josh Jacobs' no-contest plea and continued Commissioner's Exempt List placement with "no timetable" for return, Packers prepare to start Week 1 without Jacobs. Lloyd is "expected to handle the lead role in the backfield" with Chris Brooks providing additional support. This confirms Lloyd's elevated role as green Bay's lead RB for the season opener against Minnesota and likely the first 6 weeks of the season pending NFL suspension decision timing (per Packers' Josh Jacobs gets blunt NFL verdict after court decision - Yahoo Sports).
Playing style and workload concerns (Sept 10): Lloyd is a speedy, one-cut runner who poses a threat to break a long run but appeared rusty at times during the preseason due to his limited two-year career (barely six carries on NFL field). At 5'9", he's not built to be a bell-cow back—even in college, he never exceeded 10.5 carries per game. The Packers expect to distribute carries among Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson (more of a between-the-tackles runner), and Chris Brooks (pass-blocking specialist), meaning Lloyd unlikely to see 20+ touches in many games, particularly given his injury history. (per Look for the Packers to Go with a Running Back by Committee Approach Without Josh Jacobs).
Week 1 result (Sept 13, 2026 — Packers 22, Vikings 39): Lloyd and Chris Brooks handled the backfield in Josh Jacobs' absence, but the Packers' rushing attack managed only 66 yards combined in their season-opening loss to Minnesota. Lloyd's fantasy performance reflects a game script where Green Bay fell behind and was forced to rely on Jordan Love's passing (387 yards, 2 TDs to Christian Watson). The weak rushing output and game-script disadvantage limited both Lloyd and Brooks. The Packers collapsed in the second half, surrendering 29 unanswered points after a 22-10 halftime lead. Lloyd's elevated opportunity did not translate to fantasy production in Week 1 (per NFL Insider Floats Potential Bad News Regarding Packers' Josh Jacobs).
FantasyPros expert consensus (Sept 2): Derek Brown's analysis in the "16 Players Experts Reach For" roundup positions Lloyd as a breakout candidate if Jacobs sits: "MarShawn Lloyd looks primed to enter the NFL season as the Packers' workhorse back with Josh Jacobs on the commissioner-exempt list. Lloyd's stock has risen massively with this news over the weekend, and he should be considered in fantasy football drafts in the late RB2 tier or at the top of the RB3 tier. Just to remind everyone about Lloyd's talent. During his final two collegiate seasons, he was 20th and 16th in yards after contact per attempt, third and 18th in breakaway rate, and fourth and 15th in elusive rating (per PFF, minimum 100 carries). If you're drafting Josh Jacobs this year, Lloyd should be a priority for you. I'll be overweight on Lloyd exposure this season. There's an easy runout for Lloyd where Jacobs is out for most of (maybe all of the fantasy season, and Lloyd is a strong RB2 all year." (per 16 Players Experts Reach For (2026 Fantasy Football) - FantasyPros)
Week 1 workload projection — 20+ touches: Despite the committee language, fantasy analysts project Lloyd for 20+ touches in Week 1 against Minnesota. Fantasy experts express confidence in Lloyd's breakaway speed and tackle-breaking ability in his first game action since Week 2 of 2024. The combination of Jacobs' absence and a divisional matchup could result in a physical, run-heavy game that benefits Lloyd's projected involvement. He's positioned for a potential "surprise" performance with 16+ fantasy points if the Packers favor him over Kaleb Johnson (per Bell Cow Updates: RB Touch Leaders and Largest Projected Workloads for Week 1).
Week 1 waiver wire stash (Aug 31): After Josh Jacobs' placement on the commissioner exempt list, Roto Street Journal identifies Lloyd as low-hanging fruit on the Week 1 waiver wire—a potential league-winner with week-winning upside. The analysis highlights Lloyd's explosive athleticism and readiness: "I'm a baller...you gotta be ready for whatever" (per Lloyd). With Jacobs' status uncertain and Kaleb Johnson providing complementary depth rather than competition, Lloyd represents valuable contingency value for 55% or fewer rosters at the time of publication. His recent college trajectory (7.1 yards per carry for USC, 820 yards and 9 rushing TDs) paired with NFL health signals position him as a priority stash if Jacobs misses extended time (per Fantasy Football Week 1 Waiver Wire: Potential Post-Draft League-Winners to Put on Your Radar).
August 2026 breakout potential: Draft Sharks identifies Lloyd as a priority late-round target for sleeper builds. Lloyd has recovered from a biomechanics injury that plagued his first two NFL seasons—he worked with a specialist who discovered he was overcompensating for his 2020 ACL tear, leading to ankle, hip, and quad deficiencies. After fixing those compensation patterns, Lloyd clocked a 4.46-second 40 time at 220 pounds (86th percentile Speed Score) and showed elite college production: 7.1 yards per carry in 2023 with 15.7% of carries going for 15+ yards (highest in the 2024 draft class). If Lloyd has truly solved his health woes through biomechanics work, he should have no problem winning the No. 2 job in a Packers backfield that lost Emanuel Wilson this offseason. He's a priority target in the final few rounds of fantasy drafts. (per RB Sleepers 2026: Find This Year's Travis Etienne)
Week 2 usage (FFTODAY): Lloyd had only eight of 22 RB touches after his fumble while Kaleb Johnson (nine touches) joined a three-headed Green Bay committee with Chris Brooks leading snap share (per Usage Notes - Week 2, 2026 - Fantasy Football Today).
Role / Depth Chart
Backup/change-of-pace RB behind Josh Jacobs. Expected to earn significant opportunities through production and health.
Injury Status
Recently healthy after two-year absence due to hamstring injuries and appendicitis.
Recent News
- 2026-09-24 — Week 3 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: MarShawn Lloyd vs. RJ Harvey (Week 3 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: MarShawn Lloyd vs. RJ Harvey)
- 2026-09-25 — Packers Snap Counts, Week 3: MarShawn Lloyd is RB3 (Packers Snap Counts, Week 3: MarShawn Lloyd is RB3)
- 2026-09-26 — Fantasy football Week 3 most dropped players: Jayden Daniels, MarShawn Lloyd, Caleb... (Fantasy football Week 3 most dropped players: Jayden Daniels, MarShawn Lloyd, Caleb...)
- 2026-09-07 — Biggest Preseason Risers to Watch for in Week 1 (Fantasy Football) (Biggest Preseason Risers to Watch for in Week 1 (Fantasy Football))
- 2026-09-21 — Packers Discussion: Which RB should get carries for Green Bay? (Packers Discussion: Which RB should get carries for Green Bay?)
- 2026-09-24 — Green Bay Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd Put on Notice Before Falcons Game (Green Bay Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd Put on Notice Before Falcons Game)
- 2026-09-04 — The Latest Josh Jacobs News Should Make MarShawn Lloyd Fantasy Football Owners Very... (The Latest Josh Jacobs News Should Make MarShawn Lloyd Fantasy Football Owners Very...)
- 2026-09-19 — Josh Jacobs suspension timeline makes MarShawn Lloyd a high-stakes fantasy football... (Josh Jacobs suspension timeline makes MarShawn Lloyd a high-stakes fantasy football...)
- 2026-09-18 — Josh Jacobs Is Expected To Receive A 4-6 Game Suspension, Crushing MarShawn Lloyd's... (Josh Jacobs Is Expected To Receive A 4-6 Game Suspension, Crushing MarShawn Lloyd's...)
- 2026-08-31 — The fantasy outlook for Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd (The fantasy outlook for Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd)