No one could take away the smile on running back Marshawn Lloyd’s face after making his first training camp debut on Tuesday. The Green Bay Packers’ third-round selection returned to the field but only did individual drills. Still, being out there in a limited fashion for his first padded practice since college was enough for Lloyd.
“Once you put on that helmet and shoulder pads, it’s a whole different story,” he said. “It’s just super exciting to be out there…like a kid in a candy store.”
Lloyd missed the first six training camp practices after suffering a hip injury during a workout after all the rookies reported to camp. Fortunately, it was just a minor hip strain.
“I just tried to make a cut and strained my hip flexor a little bit, but it’s all good now,” said Lloyd.
The Packers will ease their rookie ball carrier back into the mix to ensure he is ready for the grueling season ahead. Although, the hope is that he will play a significant role during the regular season.
Expectations are high surrounding Lloyd after he proclaimed himself the “best running back in the draft” upon being selected by Green Bay. In two seasons at South Carolina and one at USC, he rushed for 1,621 yards on 291 carries (5.6 avg.) for 19 touchdowns. Lloyd also showcased his ability as a pass catcher, catching 35 passes for 452 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Head coach Matt LaFleur was ecstatic when the Packers drafted Lloyd because of the possibilities he could bring to the offense.
“He definitely can be a weapon out of the backfield,” LaFleur said back in May. “I love all the measurables. He’s a 220-pound back that runs 4.4 and can run routes out of the backfield. I think he could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.”
Despite his upside, nothing will be handed to Lloyd as he is competing to be the primary backup behind Josh Jacobs.