4 fantasy football waiver wire replacements for Lions running back D’Andre Swift

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 25: D'Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions gestures during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 25: D'Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions gestures during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
1 of 4

As D’Andre Swift faces the prospect of some missed time, here are four possible waiver wire fill-ins for the Lions running back.

Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift set a career-high with 144 rushing yards in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. But  he also suffered an ankle injury in that game, which caused concern for his Week 2 status against the Washington Commanders.

However limited he was, Swift played against Washington and produced nicely (87 total yards and a receiving touchdown on seven touches).

Swift suited up again on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. He clearly was not as explosive, on his way to 46 total yards on 10 touches. He told MLive he re-injured his ankle in the game, and he also suffered a shoulder injury that he played through.

As for that shoulder injury, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network had this fairly dismal report on Monday morning.

So Swift’s fantasy football managers should plan for his absence, possibly for a good chunk of games around the Lions’ Week 6 bye. There’s no easy way to replace someone who was such an early draft pick, but to the waiver wire it may be for a lot of Swift owners to find anyone that might be viable.

Here are four Week 4 fantasy football waiver wire options to fill in for D’Andre Swift.

4 fantasy football waiver wire fill-ins for Lions RB D’Andre Swift

Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

4. James Cook, Buffalo Bills

Cook notably fumbled on his first career carry back in Week 1, and a Week 2 blowout win for the Bills led to him getting a lot of work (11 carries for 53 yards). He continued to operate as Buffalo’s third running back in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins, but on his 11 snaps he had five touches (four catches for 37 yards) and six opportunities.

Devin Singletary’s heavy involvement as a receiver against Miami (nine catches on 11 targets) is notable, but he’s not doing anything on the ground so far this season (3.5 yards per carry) as the Bills have been very pass-heavy. Zack Moss still doesn’t look he’ll push for a bigger role, or keep Cook from taking more of his at some point.

Adding Cook this week is more of a down the road play than adding him as a viable immediate Week 4 lineup fill-in for Swift. But if he starts to legitimately see more snaps in Week 4, his appeal will grow and you’ll be glad to already have him rostered.

Yahoo! Ownership: 40%
ESPN Ownership: 44.6%

Schedule