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Lloyd, a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft, has spent the last several weeks proving his durability after a career plagued by injuries. Having navigated a full training camp and preseason, the rookie is now tasked with shouldering a significant workload in his first professional start. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed confidence in the young back's progress, noting that Lloyd has successfully handled the physical demands of the position during recent practice sessions.
Managing the workload for a developing talent
While the team is optimistic about Lloyd’s readiness, head coach Matt LaFleur has remained cautious regarding the specific volume of touches the rookie will receive against Minnesota. LaFleur indicated that the exact distribution of carries remains fluid, as the coaching staff monitors how the running back responds to the intensity of regular-season action. The team’s approach has been methodical throughout the offseason, focusing on ensuring Lloyd could withstand the rigors of practice before transitioning him into game-day responsibilities.
During the preseason, Lloyd demonstrated his potential, most notably recording an 11-yard touchdown reception against the Denver Broncos. Across his limited preseason appearances, he accumulated 12 total touches, providing the Packers with a glimpse of his playmaking ability. With the current roster depth limited, the team is expected to rely on a rotation that may include Chris Brooks and Kaleb Johnson, while potentially elevating Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad to bolster the backfield depth.
Overcoming a history of setbacks
Lloyd’s path to the starting lineup has been defined by a series of physical challenges. His professional journey has been frequently interrupted by hamstring, hip, and ankle injuries, which limited his availability significantly over the past two seasons. Seeking to address the root cause of these recurring issues, the running back spent time this offseason at the Meyer Institute of Sport in California. Evaluations there suggested that a previous collegiate ACL injury had created compensatory stress on his body, a discovery that has helped him focus on a more sustainable recovery and maintenance routine.
As he prepares for his first appearance at U.S. Bank Stadium, Lloyd is embracing the opportunity to finally contribute on the field. Having missed the majority of road travel and game-day experiences due to his previous health struggles, the upcoming contest against the Vikings represents a significant milestone in his development. For the Packers, the focus remains on integrating their rookie talent into the offense while maintaining a balanced approach to his physical health throughout the remainder of the season.
