Entering the 2022 fantasy football season, few looked at the Detroit Lions as more than an interesting upstart team with some fun, young talent. But in a matter of weeks, this offense has created several must-start playmakers. We’re diving into Lions running back D’Andre Swift’s injury update to see if he’s worth starting on your fantasy roster.
D’Andre Swift Injury Update
Almost immediately after producing a tremendous debut against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 that featured 15 carries for 144 yards and a score, Swift was limited with a shoulder injury.
In the next two weeks, Swift combined for only 12 carries and 87 yards. Backup Jamaal Williams had already become a touchdown vulture, and then Swift was put on the shelf to allow his injured shoulder and ankle to heal.
The Lions have lost three straight games, and at 1-4, need a win. Their offense wasn’t an issue until their Week 5 blowout loss to New England. Detroit produced zero points before entering their bye week and are set to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.
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It’s now or never for a team that still has scored the third-most points but allowed the most points in the NFL despite the early bye. If the offense regresses, the Lions are going to see an avalanche of losses come their way. Outside of matchups with Chicago in Weeks 10 and 17 and going to Carolina in Week 16, the Lions will be significant underdogs in each game left on their schedule. Swift can help with that.
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With Swift back on the practice field Wednesday, it’s likely he’ll at least be active and part of Sunday’s game plan. But I’d still expect Williams to be a big part in that game plan. Williams is the fifth-best scoring back in the red zone this season, producing 42 yards and five scores on 15 carries.
Swift may be the 1B to Williams’ 1A in the Lions’ backfield fantasy scoring this week if that red-zone usage continues. Our PFN expert fantasy rankings have Swift as RB10 and No. 36 overall for the week, but I think that’s a little too optimistic. I would start Williams over Swift if you have both, even if that disagrees with our rankings a bit. Still, both are quality starting options for fantasy managers.
The bigger value for Swift will be as a receiving back. He had 12 targets in three games compared to eight for Williams across all five. Considering Dallas has been one of the stingiest defenses against RB fantasy scoring this season — allowing only 94.3 rushing yards and 26.2 receiving yards — these backs will look to buck those trends.
The worst-case scenario for Swift’s managers is he’s ruled as active but plays on a pitch count against a very good unit that could suffocate the Lions’ offense just as the Patriots did. If you need a big game from a starter, Swift is probably not the right option for your lineup due to that possibility.