D’Andre Swift was not even on the injury report all week, and on Sunday he delivered a performance showing why he’s the guy who can take the Lions’ offense to another level.
For the first time since the week before the season opener, D’Andre Swift was not on the injury report for the Detroit Lions all this past week. He didn’t have a injury designations heading into the games the previous few weeks, but that he was not even on practice reports felt notable.
During the week head coach Dan Campbell said Swift could “get a little more” against the Jaguars on Sunday, while hinting he was getting healthier.
"I thought he did some good things for us,” Campbell explained. “I thought he brought us a little bit of life, and I feel like every week he’s starting to feel better and getting himself back into where he wants to be and where we want him to be. So, I anticipate him getting a little bit more this week.”"
Swift got a little more indeed. Per Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus he played 39 snaps to 23 for Jamaal Williams, running 22 routes and getting 14 carries. His early down role was notable, while he remained the passing down back.
D’Andre Swift is the player who can take the Lions’ offense to its highest level
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a star, Jamaal Williams is a fine back and it remains to be seen what rookie Jameson Williams will do coming off a small role in his debut on Sunday. But Swift is the player who can take the Lions offense to a different level, with his dynamic skills as a big play dual threat.
Swift had double-digit carries for the first time since Week 1 on Sunday. He had 62 yards on the ground over his 14 carries, including a one-yard rushing touchdown. He also added four catches for 49 yards, on six targets. He literally was as healthy as he’s been all season, since his ankle injury occurred in the season opener.
Swift needs to put together a strong, healthy finish to the season, for himself and the upside of the Lions’ offense. So far so good.