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Cory's Corner: Lloyd Can Be That Guy MarShawn Lloyd is the ultimate comeback story. It's hard to believe that he was drafted in the third round in 2024 and is largely unknown throughout the NFL. DENVER — The Green Bay Packers have usually excelled at finding the next great offensive weapon before the rest of the NFL even realizes they are looking. For years, the franchise seamlessly transitioned from one dynamic backfield threat to another, maintaining a punishing ground game to balance their high-flying passing attack. This summer, as the team carefully manages the workload of Josh Jacobs, all eyes have shifted to third-year pro MarShawn Lloyd. Against the Denver Broncos, Lloyd showed exactly why he is built to be the next man up in Green Bay. Stepping into the starting lineup with the first-team offense, the former USC standout looked every bit the part of a modern NFL focal point. He capped a methodical 12-play opening drive by hauling in an 11-yard touchdown pass out of the backfield from Jordan Love, showcasing the receiving chops that head coach Matt LaFleur heavily values in his zone-blocking scheme as the Packers beat the Broncos 33-13. Friday night’s win was a little revenge after losing 27-2 in the preseason in 2024. Earlier on that same drive, Lloyd faced a true litmus test, meeting All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II in the hole on third down. Instead of shying away, Lloyd initiated a violent, physical collision, lowering his shoulder to churn out a crucial first down. It was a sequence that defined his rare blend of explosive speed and unyielding power. And let's be honest, Lloyd is 5-foot-9, 220 pounds. He wasn't drafted in the third round to lay punishing hits. He was drafted to make people look silly with his staccato quickness. Yet, Lloyd’s journey to locking down the primary backup role hasn’t been a smooth ride. His football career has been constantly interrupted by the injury bug, dating back to a torn ACL during his freshman year at Southern Cal and continuing through various soft-tissue strains during his collegiate career and early NFL training camp. For many young players, these physical setbacks breed frustration or doubt. For Lloyd, they serve as fuel. Rather than viewing his medical history as a weakness, he has openly embraced his past injuries as motivation. He has channeled those grueling months of rehab into an amazing work ethic, using the time on the sidelines to master the playbook and sharpen his mental processing. Every snap Lloyd takes is played with the urgency of someone who knows how quickly the game can be taken away. That hunger is palpable when he hits the hole; he is running with an aggressive, punishing style that proves he is determined to make up for lost time. "He’s got to keep going,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur after Friday’s game. “It’s one game. I’d like to get him more touches in the next game, just to make sure he can handle the load and just continue to build him up.” I saw it at USC. He had a swagger. He moved different. He wasn’t just quick, but he embraced contact as well. The problem has always been if Lloyd can be healthy to prove that he can do it. With the NFL currently reviewing a May 26 incident involving Jacobs, the Packers need a reliable, high-upside alternative who can carry the load at a moment's notice. Lloyd has already outpaced his competition on the depth chart, blending elite vision with the breakaway speed required to break games open. By turning his past adversity into a personal launchpad, Lloyd is proving that he isn't just a backup option. He is a premier talent waiting to explode, and the next great chapter in the Green Bay backfield is officially underway. Maybe Lloyd has only had six NFL carries. But after being sidelined with bad luck, he is thirsty to prove what he can do. It truly is awesome to see all of the hard work Marshawn Lloyd has put into retraining his body pay off so far. Have to imagine he’s elated. The toll injuries take on you is heavy but he’s persevered. Huge opportunity to produce this year pic.twitter.com/B8dbnaRRqV— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) August 22, 2026 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn __________________________ Comments (16) August 22, 2026 at 06:58 am I wasn't as impressed as Cory's bot. I saw indecision and tap dancing. Now whether that's on Lloyd or that juggernot offensive line he has in front of him remains to be determined. August 22, 2026 at 07:09 am Yeah, I'm not quite as happy as Cory is, but I do see a RB who who could really excel if he just had an O-Line blocking in front of him. The bright side is, it looks like we have a kicker who can make it from just about anywhere right down the middle! August 22, 2026 at 09:41 am Cory, did you watch the same game that I watched? I wasn't really disappointed in Lloyd but he did not gain much yardage but I sure hope that he is the answer and the problem last night was poor blocking for him in his runs. It was great seeing him catch the touchdown pass and he was pretty happy about it as well. We all want Lloyd to be the rb he was drafted to be but I did not see what Cory saw last night. August 22, 2026 at 09:45 am Let's talk some Smack! Let's think back to when Smack arrived in GB and his first few practices, I do not believe he made quite half of his kicks. Now he is a beast and not sure of why the change. Do I love the change? Wow, his 59 yarder would have been good from 70. And like the announcers mentioned-they were right down the middle. He is turning into quite the weapon. A lot of our players played pretty well last night which was great to see. It is difficult to determine who makes the team based on how some guys played last night but we all have our favorites. It should be a fun season, if we can get our OL to block better. August 22, 2026 at 10:29 am When MarShawn Lloyd was drafted by the Packers he stated that "I am the best running back in the draft". That is a mighty bold statement and I would like nothing better than for him to make his statement "fact". Thus far, we are all still waiting. August 22, 2026 at 10:48 am Lloyd looks rusty to me in terms of his vision. As a target for passing he’s ready, as a runner, String is currently more effective and decisive. Brooks looks like a one trick pony, but the chances are that Brooks will still be rostered and Jacobs have to carry the load. That’s not ideal, because the run blocking by those starting last night was pathetic (with the exception of Belti. At the next level, but he’s nowhere near good enough as a T, even a swing. August 22, 2026 at 10:54 am I’m excited about Lloyd he shows flashes and huge potential . The man hasn’t really played in what 2 years !? I suggest you all relax and enjoy the upcoming show this season . He will breakout . Give him some time and I think his explosiveness and talent will take over . August 22, 2026 at 11:34 am Cory, your blind optimism is showing. Lloyd is an RB, an average-at-best RB, nothing more, nothing less. He'll have a moment here and there, but do not think him to be special. August 22, 2026 at 01:29 pm No, no! Lloyd actually is "that guy" - whatever "that guy" means - and you can't prove the Corybot wrong. Corybot is the The Cliche King, you see. It's the worst kind of sports writer. Throw out some stupid, meaningless, Ill-defined buzzword and then argue about whether it applies or not. So yeah, Lloyd is "that guy." But is he "him?" Does he tilt the field? Make everyone around him better? Is he a true difference maker? Elite? A bell cow back? A baller? A game-changer? A stud? Inquiring minds want to know... August 22, 2026 at 01:59 pm So, Lloyd is thirsty, hungry man with staccato quickness and elite vision. It's a good thing Old Country Buffet closed in Green Bay. Lloyd's aggressive, punishing style and sharpened mental processing would have decimated the dessert bar. Then again, as next man up, he wouldn't have had it any other way and that's exactly the kind of appetite for competition that Matt LaFleur is looking for in his zone blocking scheme, then. When the irresistible force meets the immovable object, no one will say Lloyd didn't leave it all on the field, and no one will call him silly.