Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift entered 2022 with a lot of hype. His ADP in PPR leagues was the RB9, making him a common selection in rounds one and two. Fantasy managers expected him to produce at a level that merited such a lofty draft slot.
Unfortunately, Swift has not been able to deliver. After two excellent showings to open the season, Swift suffered a shoulder sprain in a Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Swift has not been able to play since, missing two consecutive games with the injury.
After having their bye week last week, the Lions return to action in Week 7 with a matchup against the Cowboys. Will Swift return with them, or will he be forced to sit out once again?
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D'Andre Swift Injury News
In Week 1, D'Andre Swift had an outstanding performance. The talented running back totaled 175 scrimmage yards and also scored a touchdown. However, he did suffer an ankle sprain that has hampered him ever since. He was listed as questionable for Week 2 but was expected to play with a limited workload.
#Lions RB D’Andre Swift (ankle) is expected to play today against the #Commanders, but the team may have to be selective about his usage, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. As long as Swift wakes up feeling good, the plan is to give it a go.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2022
That is exactly what happened. Swift gained 87 scrimmage yards and scored once on just seven touches. He played again in Week 3, totaling 10 touches for 46 scrimmage yards but sustained a shoulder injury.
#Lions RB D’Andre Swift suffered a shoulder sprain in Sunday’s loss to the #Vikings, per source. It’s not expected to require surgery. But Swift could miss some time.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 26, 2022
Swift went on to miss Detroit's game the following week against Seattle, as well as their Week 5 matchup with New England. Last week's bye week for the Lions gave Swift an opportunity to recover from his two lingering injuries.
Is D'Andre Swift Injured or Playing in Week 7?
D'Andre Swift made his long-awaited return to practice on Wednesday in advance of his Week 7 game versus the Cowboys.
Lions RB D’Andre Swift practiced Wednesday
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 19, 2022
Swift also stated that he was targeting a return this weekend against Dallas. He additionally claimed that his status was trending in a good direction.
RB D'Andre Swift says he's pushing towards playing Sunday, but taking it day by day with shoulder/ankle injuries trending the right way.
Shoulder has been giving him a harder time as of late. Was practicing today which is a great sign #Lions
— Dannie (@dannierogers___) October 19, 2022
On Friday, D'Andre Swift was listed as questionable for this Sunday's game, giving him a real chance to play for the first time in nearly a month.
Lions' WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is off the injury report for Sunday's game vs. the Cowboys, and RB D'Andre Swift and WR Josh Reynolds both are listed as questionable.
Lions also ruled out WR D.J. Chark, DL Charles Harris, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, T Matt Nelson and CB Bobby Price.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2022
On Saturday night, however, it was reported that Swift is unlikely to play this weekend.
#Lions RB D’Andre Swift (questionable,
ankle/shoulder) is not expected to play Sunday vs. #Cowboys barring surprise, per source. Appears to need another week to fully heal.— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 23, 2022
A potential Swift absence means Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds would be the primary beneficiaries in the Detroit backfield. Williams put together an RB5 finish in Week 4 with Swift out, and Reynolds gained 92 yards on nine touches last week.
With Swift's status still up in the air, it's important to remain as updated as possible about his availability and adjust lineups accordingly. If you are in need of a backup plan, consult Nick Mariano's Week 7 Waiver Wire Rankings.
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