The Green Bay Packers are firing on all cylinders this season, sitting pretty at 8-3 and locked in a fierce battle for the top spot in the NFC North. But just when you thought they couldn’t get any stronger, they’ve pulled off a jaw-dropping roster shake-up that’s sure to send shockwaves through the division. Ahead of their massive clash with the arch-rival Chicago Bears this Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field—kicking off at 4:25 PM ET on FOX—the Packers have activated two key players from injured reserve: second-year running back MarShawn Lloyd and defensive end Brenton Cox. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a game-changer that could tilt the scales in Green Bay’s favor and leave the Bears scrambling!
Let’s break it down. The Packers’ running game has been a nagging concern all year, despite their solid overall performance. Star running back Josh Jacobs, who’s been the workhorse in the backfield, is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry on 186 attempts for 731 yards and 11 touchdowns. That’s a dip from his impressive 4.4 YPC in 2024, and it puts Green Bay right in the middle of the pack with a team average of 4.0 YPC—slightly below the NFL league average of 4.4. Sure, backup Emmanuel Wilson has flashed potential at times, but the depth has been thin, leaving fans wondering if the ground attack has enough firepower to dominate in crunch time.
Enter MarShawn Lloyd, the explosive second-year back who’s been sidelined for most of his young career but is now poised to make a massive impact. Drafted with high hopes, Lloyd essentially redshirted his rookie year in 2024 due to a brutal string of injuries: hip, hamstring, ankle issues, and even appendicitis. He appeared in just one regular-season game, managing 6 carries for 15 yards (2.5 YPC) and one reception for 3 yards. Then, in 2025, a preseason hamstring setback kept him out for the majority of the campaign. But now, fully healthy and activated off IR, Lloyd brings a dynamic burst to the backfield that could complement Jacobs perfectly. Imagine the one-two punch: Jacobs grinding out tough yards and Lloyd exploding for big gains. This could be the spark Green Bay needs to elevate their run game from average to elite!
And that’s not all—defensive end Brenton Cox is also back in the fold, adding much-needed depth to the pass rush. Cox, who’s shown flashes of potential over his three seasons with the Packers, suffered a significant groin injury in the season opener against the Detroit Lions, sidelining him for most of 2025. His career stats include 8 solo tackles, 4 assists, and 4.0 sacks, mostly from a breakout 2024 where he notched all those numbers in just 7 games. Like Lloyd, Cox has battled injuries early in his career, but now cleared and ready to roll, he could provide crucial rotational snaps and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With the Bears’ offense relying on mobility and quick releases, Cox’s return might just be the X-factor in disrupting their rhythm.
Head coach Matt LaFleur couldn’t hide his excitement about these activations. “It’s huge for us,” LaFleur said during a recent press conference. “Both guys have worked incredibly hard to get back, and we’re excited to see what they can contribute down the stretch.” LaFleur, who’s masterminded the Packers’ resurgence this season, knows that in a tight NFC North race, every edge counts. The team is already 8-3, with a strong shot at the division crown and a deep playoff run.
For the Chicago Bears, this news hits like a blindside blitz. They were already gearing up for a tough road game at Lambeau, but now they’ll face a Packers squad that’s deeper and more dangerous than ever. The rivalry between these two storied franchises is legendary, and with playoff implications on the line, Sunday’s matchup just got a whole lot more intense.
In a season full of twists, this roster bombshell might be the biggest yet. Will Lloyd and Cox become the heroes Green Bay needs? Or will the Bears spoil the party? One thing’s for sure: this stunning move has everyone talking, and the NFC North just got a lot more exciting. Stay tuned—kickoff is coming, and the Packers are reloaded!
