The Packers have placed rookie running back Marshawn Lloyd on the Non-Football Injury list, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Lloyd had just returned to practice last week after spending several weeks on injured reserve due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 2. The third-round pick then fell ill with appendicitis, making it unlikely that he would be able to play when his 21-day practice window expired.
To avoid a reversion to season-ending injured reserve, the Packers activated Lloyd on Monday before moving him to the NFI list on Wednesday, where he can recover from his appendicitis and remain eligible to return this season without counting against the 53-man roster limit.
“You can’t make this stuff up,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur last week when announcing Lloyd’s diagnosis, per The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. LaFleur had been encouraged by Lloyd’s progress since returning to practice, but will now have to wait before getting any contributions from the rookie this season.
Lloyd sat out of Week 1 with a hamstring injury, and his ankle and appendix have now combined to turn his rookie season into essentially a medical redshirt year. He managed just 15 yards on six rushing attempts in his NFL debut in Week 2, and will not play again until at least Week 16.
The Packers are 7-3 and locked in a pitched battle for the NFC North title. Josh Jacobs has excelled as Green Bay’s workhorse, ranking third in the NFL with 838 yards on 176 carries (4.8 yards per attempt), and second-year back Emanuel Wilson has also averaged 4.8 yards per carry in backup and change-of-pace duties. The success of that duo will be a clear obstacle to Lloyd earning rookie playing time upon his return.