Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said the team had big plans for rookies Jordan Morgan and MarShawn Lloyd before injuries mostly wrecked the first seasons for both draft picks in 2024.
“Yeah, that was the plan this year,” LaFleur told Matt Schneidman of The Athletic on the “Matt LaFleur Podcast” following the season.
Lloyd, a third-round pick, played in only one game — Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts — while battling through hip, ankle and hamstring injuries and an emergency surgery for appendicitis.
LaFleur said the Packers are still excited about Lloyd’s explosiveness and potential in the passing game despite what ended up being a nightmare first season for the rookie.
“You could see his explosiveness on tape. He would definitely add a dynamic to that room and that position,” LaFleur said. “Any time you can create matchup problems in the passing game, that’s huge for you. He’s got a lot of explosive ability.”
If healthy in 2025, Lloyd could emerge as the top backup behind Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs at running back.
Along the offensive line, Morgan was competing to be the starter at right guard before he suffered his first of several shoulder injuries in training camp. He still rotated at right guard with Sean Rhyan for five games and made one start before an aggravation of his shoulder injury required season-ending surgery.
“I thought Jordan Morgan was making some good progress. Unfortunately, his shoulder kept giving him issues,” LaFleur said.
Losing Morgan really hurt the Packers in the postseason. Left guard Elgton Jenkins went out with a stinger in the first quarter, and inexperienced backups Travis Glover and Kadeem Telfort both struggled mightily over the final three quarters.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said the Packers may do more shuffling along the offensive line in an effort to find the five best starters in 2025. Center Josh Myers is an unrestricted free agent, and players such as Jenkins and Zach Tom have five-position versatility. Tom and left tackle Rasheed Walker will both be back after starting every game in 2024, so Morgan is likely headed back inside to compete for a starting spot at guard in 2025.
Injuries are a part of football, but both Lloyd and Morgan were nothing if not unlucky as first-year players. With a little better luck on the injury front, the Packers could get important and valuable contributions from two top 2024 picks during the 2025 season.