D’Andre Swift pushing to return to Lions lineup vs. the Cowboys

After missing two games and having the bye week to get further healthy, Lions running back D’Andre Swift is pushing to play on Sunday against Dallas.

With ankle and shoulder injuries to rest during the bye week and having missed the two games beforehand, Lions running back D’Andre Swift seems likely to return to action Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

After returning to a limited practice on Wednesday, Swift told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press where he is in that respect.

"I’m pushing towards that,” Swift said Wednesday. “Like I said, taking it day by day.”"

Swift suffered a sprained ankle during the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. He played through it in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. He aggravated the ankle issue in that game against Minnesota, and also added a sprained shoulder to his injury docket.

Per Birkett, Swift added he is “going in the right direction” to play on Sunday.

D’Andre Swift offers something to the Lions’ offense no one else can

Swift leads the league with an 8.6 yards per carry average, and he’s also averaging 9.6 yards per catch on his eight receptions thus far. He is a threat to break a big play or score any time he touches the ball, as a runner or a receiver. As solid as Jamaal Williams is and as excellent as Amon-Ra St. Brown is, no one else quite brings to the Lions’ offense what Swift does.

Swift was challenged by running backs coach Duce Staley during the offseason to play through injuries. He certainly did that by playing with the ankle issue, but the sprained right shoulder against the Vikings became a bridge too far in terms of diminished returns if he continued to play.  A rest was practically necessary to get him healthy, with the early Week 6 bye week in mind.

Against a strong Cowboys’ defense, the Lions will need all hands on deck. Swift’s return to action, even if his snap count is managed carefully, with be welcomed with open arms.