Packers Mystery Playmaker Makes Quiet Return to Practice
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
ASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN - JUNE 10: MarShawn Lloyd #32 of the Green Bay Packers participates in drills during the Green Bay Packers mandatory minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field on June 10, 2025 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
In the days after the Packers brought in running back MarShawn Lloyd from USC, using the No. 88 pick (a third-rounder) in the 2024 draft to add him to a revamped running back room that had just seen star Josh Jacobs brought into the mix, he spoke about his strengths as a player.
One of those strengths was his versatility, coming off a season in which he tallied 1,052 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns for the Trojans.
Talking to Green Bay reporters for the first time, Lloyd explained what separated him from other running back draftees: “Honestly, I feel like, being able to be used in any way possible. I can be used on special teams. I can be used on third down. I can be used on kickoff returns. I feel like being able to have that quickness and have that shiftiness, and that explosion, I feel like that’s something I can bring.”
Packers Got Little From MarShawn Lloyd So Far
Unfortunately for the Packers, there is almost no evidence to support that claim, despite Lloyd having kicked around the team for the past two seasons. He has played just one game, back in Week 2 of the 2024 season, in which he carried the ball six times for 15 yards, then went out with a hamstring injury that snowballed into a series of injuries–to his hip and ankle and, eventually, to an appendectomy.
Here in 2025, things have not been much better. We’re approaching Week 11, and Lloyd has yet to play because of an apparently very persistent hamstring injury.
Put this week, there was a ray of hope when it comes to Lloyd and his mysterious tenure with the Packers: He was at practice, working out at a brisk pace.
As ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky wrote on Twitter/X: “MarShawn Lloyd and Jayden Reed appear to have ramped up their rehab. Both still on IR so no photo or video allowed but they were working up a sweat off to the side.”
MarShawn Lloyd Not Being Counted On in Green Bay
This comes just two weeks after it appeared that coach Matt LaFleur was writing off the possibility of a Lloyd return. LaFleur was vague in saying that Lloyd was sent to California to “get his body right,” and when asked about the possibility of Lloyd playing again, LaFleur said flatly, “I wouldn’t count on that anytime soon.”
Lloyd is still on the injured reserve, but could have his practice window opened at any time the Packers wanted to do so. he would then have three weeks to be activated or else he’d be sent back to IR. Strange to say, but given the point in the schedule, if Lloyd is to play in 2025, it’s likely he will have to show the Packers he is ready for a role sooner rather than later.
Former Broncos OLB 9x Pro Bowl, with 138.5 career sacks, expresses his desire to wear the Cowboys jersey one last time before the end of his career
A former 9-time Pro Bowl legend, who is considered one of the greatest defensive stars in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, has unexpectedly expressed his desire to return to his old team before the end of his career. Ware’s statement, the player who won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2016, has shocked not only Cowboys Nation but also the entire NFL, as he expressed his deep desire to return to the team that elevated him to the peak of his career.
In a recent interview, Ware shared, “If given the opportunity, I would love to come back and finish my career where it all started. I’ve always had love for Dallas, and I’ll never give up on the dream of putting on a Cowboys jersey again.” These words from Ware left Cowboys fans deeply moved, especially as they reflect on the years when Ware brought unparalleled performances to the team.
As one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, Ware played 9 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 2005 to 2013, recording 117.5 sacks and becoming a model of hard work and dedication. After leaving the Cowboys and joining the Broncos in 2014, Ware helped the team win Super Bowl 50 before retiring after the 2016 season.
Although he has been away from the field for many years, Ware remains a symbol in the hearts of Cowboys fans. Many fans hope that Ware’s dream will come true, although realistically, the chance for him to return to Dallas late in his career seems unlikely. Nonetheless, Ware’s proposal has sparked an emotional wave in the Cowboys Nation, with many feeling that his return could provide a strong boost of morale for the team.
In the midst of struggles on the Cowboys' defense, Ware’s return could help not only in terms of experience but also in terms of leadership. “DeMarcus Ware is a leader, a symbol. His return would bring tremendous inspiration to the team,” a former Cowboys player said.
Though the opportunity for Ware to return to Dallas may be slim, his story of dedication and love for the team will undoubtedly remain an integral part of the Cowboys' legacy.
