Zach Kruse, Packers WireMon, December 1, 2025 at 10:52 PM UTC·2 min readHelp could be coming for the Green Bay Packers on both sides of the ball to start December. The Packers designated running back MarShawn Lloyd and defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. for return from injured reserve, opening their 21-day practice window on Monday.
Lloyd, a third-round pick in the 2024 draft, has been on injured reserve all season after injuring his hamstring during the preseason. Cox, who had 4.0 sacks in a reserve role last season, injured his groin in Week 1 and has been on injured reserve since.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNeither player will count on the 53-man roster while designated for return and practicing with the team. The Packers can activate them to the 53-man roster at any point over the next three weeks.
Lloyd has explosive playmaking potential as a runner and receiver, but he's played in only one game over two seasons while dealing with several different injuries and ailments. The Packers currently have Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs and veteran backups Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks on the active roster at running back.
Cox Jr. could provide necessary depth on the edge. Lukas Van Ness is still battling a foot injury, leaving the Packers thin behind Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary. He played only eight snaps before suffering an injury in Week 1, but he was on the field for roughly a third of the defense's snaps over a seven-game sample size and had disruptive production (4.0 sacks, seven quarterback hits) in 2024.
The Packers now have three players capable of being activated off injured reserve at any point, with Lloyd and Cox Jr. joining receiver Jayden Reed, who could make his long-awaited return this week against the Chicago Bears. Reed has been practicing with the Packers since Friday, Nov. 21.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers designate RB MarShawn Lloyd, DE Brenton Cox Jr. for return from IR
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