As the Green Bay Packers gear up for the 2026 NFL season, the running back room is shrouded in uncertainty. With starter Josh Jacobs placed on the commissioner exempt list following a legal dispute, the spotlight now turns to MarShawn Lloyd, a third-year back who has yet to log significant NFL carries. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, this situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for a Packers offense in transition.
The Josh Jacobs Situation
Jacobs was charged with battery and criminal damage to property in an incident involving his girlfriend, stemming from an alleged May altercation. The Brown County District Attorney's office formally charged him on August 27, after a complex digital forensic examination of surveillance video. While Jacobs remains on the exempt list—allowed to attend team meetings but not practice or play—his legal proceedings are ongoing, with an initial hearing scheduled for November 17. The Packers have stated they will respect the legal process, leaving Jacobs' return date uncertain.
MarShawn Lloyd: The Next Man Up
Lloyd, a 2024 third-round pick, has been plagued by injuries throughout his young career, appearing in just one regular-season game with 10 snaps. Now, he is expected to lead the Packers' backfield in Week 1. Joining him are Kaleb Johnson, acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chris Brooks, a blocking specialist. Johnson, a 2025 third-rounder, averaged a modest 2.8 carries per game as a rookie, while Brooks has been used sparingly as a runner. The trio faces the daunting task of replacing Jacobs' production, but Lloyd's preseason flashes have sparked optimism.
Scheme Shift: Back to Outside Zone Roots
One of the most intriguing developments from Vulius Sports' analysis is the Packers' offensive shift back to the outside zone scheme that defined the early Matt LaFleur era. Under Jacobs, Green Bay leaned heavily on inside runs, but this summer's preseason tape shows a renewed emphasis on stretch plays and athletic line movement. This change not only suits Lloyd's skill set but also enhances the play-action game, as the Packers pair naked bootlegs with outside zone runs—a staple when Aaron Jones was in the backfield. Head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst have both hinted at this adjustment in recent press conferences.
Offensive Line Concerns
The success of any running game hinges on the offensive line, and Green Bay's unit is dealing with injuries. Expected starters Aaron Banks (tendinitis) and Zach Bako-Bewele (recovering from a partially torn patellar tendon) have been limited in camp. If they cannot play against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, rookies Jager Burton and Anthony Belton would step in. This makeshift line, combined with a new scheme and unproven backs, creates a volatile mix for the Packers' ground attack.
As the Packers navigate these challenges, the question remains: Can MarShawn Lloyd seize this opportunity and establish himself as a reliable starter? Or will the running game falter under the weight of adversity? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Green Bay's backfield is a storyline to watch as the season unfolds.
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