Josh Jacobs Groin Injury Opens Door for MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay is expected to be without Josh Jacobs for at least this week after the veteran running back sustained a groin injury. Jacobs has been working on a side field, while MarShawn Lloyd is positioned to receive the most valuable first team opportunities before the Packers face Pittsburgh. The injury is not currently being presented as a long term absence, but groin issues require patience because acceleration and cutting can expose them immediately.

All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

What Green Bay loses without Jacobs

Jacobs remains the stabilizer of the Packers backfield. He rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025 and added 282 receiving yards. His value extends beyond volume. He can run through contact, handle protection responsibilities, and stay on the field when the offense changes the play at the line.

That complete skill set gives the quarterback a reliable answer against light boxes and pressure looks. Even if Jacobs is ready for the regular season, missed camp work can affect timing in the screen game, protection communication, and the conditioning required for a heavy early workload.

Why this is a real opportunity for MarShawn Lloyd

Lloyd does not need to imitate Jacobs. He needs to prove that the offense remains functional when he is responsible for the full assignment. Explosive runs will attract attention, but coaches will grade his reads, ball security, blitz pickup, and ability to turn a broken play into a manageable down.

Jordan Love is expected to see preseason action, which makes Lloyd’s reps even more meaningful. Working with the starting quarterback forces the back to process protection changes and route adjustments at game speed. A clean week could earn Lloyd a defined complementary role even after Jacobs returns.

What to watch next

Watch whether Jacobs advances from side work to individual drills without discomfort. For Lloyd, focus on third downs and two minute situations. Those snaps reveal whether the staff trusts him beyond designed carries. The Packers can manage Jacobs conservatively now because the games do not count, but they also need a second back capable of protecting the offense when circumstances change.

Football Nation bottom line: Jacobs remains the clear lead back when healthy. This week is about insurance and growth. If Lloyd handles the complete job rather than only the exciting parts, Green Bay can leave August with a deeper and more flexible backfield.