Packers designate rookie RB MarShawn Lloyd to return from injured reserve

The Packers designated rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd to return from injured reserve on Monday, opening his 21-day practice window and opening the door for Lloyd to return to the 53-man roster before the Packers host the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

After trading Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, the Packers have an empty roster spot, so no corresponding move would be required to activate Lloyd between now and Sunday.

General manager Brian Gutekunst hinted last week that Lloyd was returning and could take Smith’s spot on the roster.

Lloyd, a third-round pick out of USC and a college teammate of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, injured his ankle in Week 2 and has missed the past seven games. The rookie rushed six times for 15 yards and caught a pass for three yards in his one game so far this season.

The Packers have Josh Jacobs anchored as the starter and Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks as backups, so it’s possible Lloyd will have to put in some time before he gets an opportunity. But his explosiveness — both as a one-cut runner and potentially as a receiver out of the backfield — should provide another weapon as the Packers try to ignite an offense down the stretch in 2024.

With his 21-day window now open, the Packers have until Dec. 2 to activate Lloyd to the 53-man roster.

Tight end Luke Musgrave is the only other player on injured reserve eligible to be designated to return this season. Tight end Tyler Davis and running back AJ Dillon are on injured reserve and done for the season.