Lions running back D’Andre Swift eyeing bigger role moving forward

After returning to action on Sunday, Lions running back D’Andre Swift is eyeing a bigger role moving forward.

After missing the previous three games, with the bye week in between, Lions running back D’Andre Swift returned to the lineup Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. He didn’t put up huge numbers, with just six carries on five carries, but he did have a receiving touchdown among five catches for 27 yards.

Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams had two rushing scores against Miami to put himself in the Lions’ record books as he had 10 carries for 53 yards and three catches for 23 yards. With that in mind, it was surprising to find out Swift out-snapped Williams 33 to 22 in the game with 10 touches to Willliams’ 13.

On Monday, via Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, Swift confirmed he is still experiencing soreness in his ankle and shoulder. After the game Sunday, head coach Dan Campbell said Swift wasn’t 100 percent.

D’Andre Swift eyeing bigger role moving forward

"Yeah, (I was) a little bit (limited), because I’m still dealing with both of them (injuries),” Swift said. “It just felt good to get back out there with the guys and be able to run around and help, any way possible. … Definitely going forward, the plan is to progress and just keep better each day. As I get better each day, the role will get bigger.”All I can do is come in here every day and attack the rehab and just get better each day,” Swift said. ‘I’m not 100%, no, but I’m out there with my team and that’s what matters.”"

As had been the case earlier in the season when Swift was available, he saw the most passing down work of the Lions’ top two backs. On Sunday he ran 24 routes and stayed in to pass protect three times in his 33 snaps.

It’s a little troubling Swift seems to still be fairly banged up after not playing in a month, but having him back is nice since he offers an explosive element no one else on the Lions’ offense does. Keeping him from missing any more games is the key, which means Williams will still see plenty of work even if Swift’s role grows going forward.