Aug 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (32) runs with the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Caleb Johnson (48) defends during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the Green Bay Packers made the surprising decision to add Marshawn Lloyd to their 53-man roster. Prior to their dramatic win over the Chicago Bears, the Packers had opened up Lloyd’s practice window after he had been out since Week Two with an ankle injury.

The roster move came as a surprise, however, because the rookie running back had to have emergency surgery to remove his appendix over the weekend.

While there was nothing that could have prevented Lloyd from needing his appendix removed, Green Bay was in a tough situation because they had already opened his 21-day practice window. They simply could not put him back on injured reserve without ending his season.

So, they found a creative solution.

The Green Bay Packers Placed Marshawn Lloyd on the Non-Football Injury List

Instead of putting their rookie running back on season-ending injured reserve, the Packers added him to the 53-man roster, as was mentioned previously.

By doing so, Green Bay was allowed to put Lloyd on the non-football injury list, since appendicitis is not a football-related ailment.

While this means that he will miss the next few games, which he would anyway due to having to recover from surgery, it also means that he can return to the team and be added to the roster before the season ends.

Since Lloyd was technically on the practice squad as he worked his way back from his ankle injury, the Packers suddenly had an open spot. So, they brought back a familiar face.

The Green Bay Packers Re-Signed Quarterback Turned Wide Receiver Alex McGough

With Lloyd now on the NFL, the Packers decided to re-sign former quarterback/wide receiver Alex McGough.

For #Packers today, Jaire Alexander and MarShawn Lloyd are the only players on the 53 who are not practicing.

WR Alex McGough (in video) has filled the vacancy on the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/sxTV8TR5SK

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) November 20, 2024

McGough was originally signed by the Packers in the summer of 2023 ahead of training camp. The former UFL MVP was released when the roster was trimmed to 53 players, but was quickly re-signed and added to the practice squad.

It was his play on the practice squad that made some headlines late last season. Because he is also an adept pass catcher, he often would run routes against the Packers’ starting defense in practice. His collision with star cornerback Jaire Alexander resulted in an injury that kept the two-time Pro Bowler sidelined for a while.

This offseason, Green Bay asked McGough if he would be willing to switch positions, from quarterback to wide receiver. Of course, he agreed.

However, an injury during team activities limited his ability to participate and he was released with an injury settlement.

Now he is back in Green Bay, at least for the time being.