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.”
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.”
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.
Indianapolis, IN — A Quarterback Controversy that Could Define a Dynasty
The Indianapolis Colts are humming along with a commanding 8-2 record, sitting atop the AFC South with a two-game lead, and currently holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC. While the season is far from over and seeding could change dramatically in the coming weeks, one thing is clear: the Colts have found something special this season. And much of that success can be attributed to a decision that seemed risky at the time—choosing Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback over the much-hyped Anthony Richardson.
Entering the 2025 season, the Colts were facing what many believed could be a major landmine in terms of quarterback play. Richardson, the team’s 2023 first-round draft pick, had experience in Shane Steichen’s system after playing under him for two years. With all eyes on Richardson as the next great hope for the Colts, it seemed like the most logical move to hand him the reins as QB1. But Indianapolis made a bolder decision.
The Bold Decision to Start Daniel Jones
Instead of going with Richardson, the Colts took a chance on Daniel Jones, whose career had been marked by struggles in New York with the Giants and a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings that didn’t leave a lasting impression. Jones had flamed out in New York, failing to live up to the potential that had once made him a first-round pick in 2019. But Indianapolis saw something in Jones that could work in their favor.
Through 10 games in 2025, it’s clear that the Colts made the right choice. Jones has been nothing short of terrific, showcasing poise, leadership, and a level of consistency that has allowed the Colts to thrive. He has breathed new life into a team that had been in search of stability at the quarterback position for years. His solid play has led Indianapolis to a top spot in the AFC, and while the season has a long way to go, the future is looking bright for the Colts with Jones at the helm.
The Anthony Richardson Dilemma: Could He Be on the Move?
Of course, the question remains: what about Richardson? His future in Indianapolis is now uncertain, and the Colts face a significant decision next offseason with the fifth-year option on his contract for 2027 looming. The speculation around Richardson’s future has already begun, and some analysts, like Billy Heyen of the Sporting News, suggest that Richardson could be traded sooner rather than later.
One potential scenario is a trade to the Carolina Panthers, where Richardson would join another former high-profile 2023 draft pick, Bryce Young. The Panthers’ decision to stick with Young as their starter despite his lackluster performance has drawn criticism, much like Richardson’s struggles in Indianapolis. Young has started 37 games over three seasons for Carolina, but his record of 11-26, combined with a quarterback rating of just 77.8 and a troubling 37-26 touchdown-to-interception ratio, has led some to question his future as the Panthers’ QB1. Could Richardson be the answer in Carolina? Some think a change of scenery might be just what both quarterbacks need, but at this point, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis appears increasingly uncertain.
The Long-Term Vision for the Colts
For Colts fans, however, the uncertainty surrounding Richardson’s future isn’t a major concern. Indianapolis has found its long-term quarterback in Daniel Jones, and that should equate to sustained success for years to come. While the Colts’ decision to start Jones over Richardson raised some eyebrows at first, it’s clear that the team’s leadership saw something in Jones that many others had overlooked. His ability to manage the offense, avoid mistakes, and make crucial throws when needed has allowed the Colts to remain atop the AFC South and firmly in the playoff hunt.
Whether Richardson stays in Indianapolis or moves on to another team, the Colts have made a decisive step forward in securing their quarterback situation. With Jones leading the way, Indianapolis looks poised to build a new era of success, one that could lead to long-term dominance in the AFC. And while the quarterback controversy around Richardson might continue to swirl, the Colts are content knowing they have found their man under center.