The Green Bay Packers haven’t missed a beat following AJ Dillon’s injuries, as the standout play of free agent Josh Jacobs has helped the team keep pace with their division rivals, while also overcoming some inconsistency from turnover-prone Jordan Love .

Not only did the Packers have Jacobs at the height of his powers, but they also used Top 100 pick USC stalwart MarShawn Lloyd. After an injury early in the season, Lloyd was placed on injured reserve. Luckily for Green Bay, he’s nearing a return to a team in need of another weapon.

While Lloyd’s career in Green Bay will start as a rarely used backup, that hasn’t done much to boost the hype the team has for him. Even Jacobs, who has taken on the role of experienced mentor, is happy with what Lloyd can offer now that he is back.

“I let him ride with me every day on the way to training,” Jacobs said of his new running mate. He will be a good running back in this league. I’m excited to see him go this week… I mean, you can’t teach that speed, man. The way he goes in and out of his cuts, he’s just electric. He’s just electric, man.”

Lloyd never got the credit he deserved in college, as he played in a USC offense that threw the ball a ton while Caleb Williams ran the show. With higher volume, he might have had the flashy numbers that could have helped him get picked a few slots higher in April.

While the Packers will be a pass-first team now that Love is the starter, the offense will look much sharper if they can let Jacobs push his way forward for solid gains. Lloyd is built similarly and looks like a bowling ball if he can build up enough speed.

What helped Lloyd stand out was his craftiness and ability to break tackles at USC. Although he only received six carries before being placed on IR, Matt LaFleur’s tendency to earn his running back evaluations could lead to Lloyd starting his career on the right foot.

Lloyd averaged more than seven yards per carry during his final collegiate season. If he’s even half as good in the pros, the Packers could add another great young player to their growing stable.

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