D'Andre Swift Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Steelers vs Bears game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 16, 2025
Gets 21 carries in Week 11 win
Swift rushed 21 times for 90 yards and didn't catch his only target in Sunday's 19-17 win over the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
For the second consecutive week since returning from a groin injury, Swift worked as the top option in Chicago's backfield but was kept out of the end zone while backup Kyle Monangai scored a rushing touchdown. Swift has rushed for at least 80 yards in four of his last five appearances heading into a Week 12 home game against the Steelers, so he remains a reliable source of yardage despite Monangai's involvement by the goal line.
Nov 13, 2025
Practices in full
Swift (hip) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Swift was limited in practice Wednesday, but it's possible that the Bears were simply capping his reps as a precaution. The starting running back returned from a one-game absence due to a groin issue and racked up 98 yards from scrimmage on eight touches versus the Giants in Week 10. Even with the emergence of Kyle Monangai as a reliable backfield option, Swift remains Chicago's clear No. 1 running back and stands to handle a sizeable workload on the road against Minnesota on Sunday.
Nov 12, 2025
Tending to hip issue
Swift was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a hip injury.
ANALYSIS
Swift previously was dealing with a groin issue that caused him to sit out Week 9 at Cincinnati, but he was able to return this past Sunday and reclaim the No. 1 RB role against the Giants en route to 18 touches for 98 yards from scrimmage, while rookie Kyle Monangai turned seven carries into 28 yards and one TD. With a new health concern in tow for Swift, his status will be one to watch as the week goes on as the Bears prepare for Sunday's game in Minnesota.
Nov 9, 2025
Reclaims lead role in return
Swift (groin/personal) rushed 13 times for 80 yards and caught five of eight targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Swift returned from a one-game absence due to a groin injury and out-touched Kyle Monangai 18-7, retaining the lead role in Chicago's backfield. Monangai scored an eight-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, but Swift produced a few highlights of his own on the ground, including a 25-yard scamper and a nine-yard run on fourth-and-2 on the same second-quarter drive. Swift also finished second on the team in targets, so he's well positioned to maintain a heavy workload regardless of game flow in Week 11 against the Vikings.
Nov 9, 2025
Ready to play Sunday
Swift (groin/personal) is active for Sunday's game against the Giants.
ANALYSIS
After he was sidelined for the first time all season in the Bears' Week 9 win over the Bengals, Swift returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant. He appeared to clear up any lingering concern about the health of his groin by practicing fully Thursday, but he ended up taking a questionable tag into Sunday after a personal matter kept him off the field for the Bears' final session of the week Friday. Though Swift is now ready to play ahead of Sunday's contest and isn't expected to be operating with any restrictions in his return to the lineup, he could be at risk of ceding more work to No. 2 back Kyle Monangai, who broke out with 198 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 29 touches in the victory over the Bengals. Head coach Ben Johnson suggested Friday that he would likely take a hot-hand approach to the backfield between Swift and Monangai during Sunday's contest, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com.
Nov 8, 2025
Expected to play against G-Men
Swift (groin/personal) is expected to play Sunday against the Giants, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift missed last Sunday's win over the Bengals, allowing rookie Kyle Monangai to have a breakout performance en route to 198 total yards on 29 touches. Monangai's big game prompted coach Ben Johnson to say Friday that he may take a "hot hand" approach with Swift and Monangai moving forward, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. It's a plus spot for the backfield duo against a Giants defense that struggles against the run, but Monangai's potential to handle more carries makes Swift a riskier fantasy bet, especially if he's playing at less than 100 percent.
Nov 7, 2025
Listed as questionable
Swift (groin/personal) didn't practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Swift returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant before upgrading to full participation Thursday. He then missed practice Friday, with 'personal' added to the injury report (he was previously just listed with the same groin injury that held him out last week). Bears coach Ben Johnson sounded like he expected Swift to play this week, telling reporters earlier Friday that he planned to rely on the "hot hand" between Swift and Kyle Monangai. Johnson didn't say anything about Swift missing practice or potentially missing the upcoming game.
Nov 7, 2025
Facing hot-hand rotation?
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said Friday that he may take a "hot hand" approach with Swift and Kyle Monangai this Sunday against the Giants, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports. "I believe in a guy having the hot hand," Johnson said. "One guy, if he's feeling it and giving us a spark, we might lean on that a little bit longer."
ANALYSIS
Swift returned to full practice participation Thursday and now figures to start Sunday, coming back from a one-game absence after Monangai took 29 touches for 198 yards in the win over Cincinnati. Monangai's previous high-water marks for snap share had come in Week 7 (45 percent) and Week 8 (46 percent), with his role seemingly growing while Swift played through a groin injury. Those were actually two of Swift's more efficient games this season on a per-touch basis, and he scored a TD in both despite ceding so much work to Monangai. It sounds like the rookie will be heavily involved again this Sunday, with the extent partially depending on how well he and Swift are playing.
Nov 6, 2025
Turns in full practice
Swift (groin) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
A limited participant Wednesday as the Bears kicked off Week 10 prep, Swift's upgrade to full activity a day later puts him on track to return to action Sunday against the Giants. While Swift was out for his first game of the season in the Bears' 47-42 win over the Bengals last weekend, Kyle Monangai (ankle) stepped in as Chicago's lead back and racked up 198 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 29 touches. Swift should return to a starting role in Week 10, but he may be at risk of ceding more work in the wake of Monangai's breakout performance. Bears head coach Ben Johnson may favor a timeshare approach to the backfield in an effort to keep both backs fresh, as Monangai joined Swift as a limited participant in Wednesday's session before practicing fully Thursday.
Nov 5, 2025
Expects to play this week
Swift (groin) returned to practice Wednesday and said afterward that he'll play this Sunday against the Giants, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift played through the groin injury for at least two weeks and remained effective, but he was inactive for the shootout win at Cincinnati this past Sunday. He was then a limited participant Wednesday in his return to practice, telling reports afterward that he wanted to play last week but was held out by the team. Swift said he'll return this week, but fantasy managers still need to track the situation in light of Swift's acknowledgement that the decision isn't necessarily his to make. Fellow Bears running back Kyle Monangai (ankle) was also a limited practice participant Wednesday, after taking 26 carries for 176 yards in the thrilling win over Cincinnati.
Nov 5, 2025
Back to limited practice
Swift (groin) was limited in practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
One week removed from not practicing at all before sitting out this past Sunday at Cincinnati due to a lingering groin injury, Swift is back on the field and joined by No. 2 RB Kyle Monangai, who also was limited due to an ankle issue. Monangai dominated a porous Bengals defense Week 9, racking up 198 yards from scrimmage on 29 touches. With their top two backfield options banged up, the situation at the position is up in the air as the Bears prepare to face the Giants on Sunday.
Oct 31, 2025
Ruled out this week
Swift (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Swift played through the same groin injury and remained productive the past few weeks, but he's now set to miss at least one game after not practicing at all during Week 9. Bears coach Ben Johnson discussed Swift's nagging groin injury earlier Friday, telling reporters that the Bears are "just doing our due diligence" and "want to make sure we have [Swift] in a good spot for the whole season," per Adam Jahns of AllCHGO.com. In any case, Kyle Monangai will be Chicago's lead back Sunday, likely taking on a large workload against one of the worst defenses in the league.
Oct 30, 2025
Sits out another practice
Swift (groin) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
For the third week in a row, Swift is on the Bears' injury report with a groin issue. He's proceeded to play through the issue in both of the team's last two games, but Swift's availability for this Sunday's game in Cincinnati may be in more peril now that he's failed to practice in any fashion Wednesday and Thursday. What Swift is able to do in Friday's session will go a long way in determining his status heading into the weekend.
Oct 29, 2025
DNP on Wednesday
Swift (groin) didn't practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Swift was among a number of Bears skill-position players that weren't able to practice to kick off Week 9 prep, the others being WRs Rome Odunze (heel), DJ Moore (hip/groin), Olamide Zaccheaus (knee) and Luther Burden (concussion). Swift himself has been dealing with a groin injury for three weeks running and followed a DNP/LP/LP practice regimen last week before suiting up this past Sunday at Baltimore, a contest in which he handled a 49 percent snap share and turned 13 touches into 71 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD. Wednesday's absence may merely be for maintenance purposes, but his status still will be watched as the week continues to get a sense of his odds to continue leading the Bears backfield Sunday at Cincinnati.
Oct 26, 2025
Gets into end zone in Week 8 loss
Swift carried the ball 11 times for 45 yards and a touchdown and caught both his targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 30-16 loss to the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
The 26-year-old running back accounted for Chicago's only TD of the day on a two-yard run early in the fourth quarter that briefly brough the team with a field goal at 16-13. Swift has a four-game touchdown streak going, scoring three on the ground and one through the air, and over that stretch he's averaged 111 scrimmage yards a contest. Swift could be headed for another big performance in Week 9 against a vulnerable Bengals defense that just got gashed by Breece Hall for 133 rushing yards and two TDs, plus a four-yard touchdown toss on a trick play.
Oct 26, 2025
Active in Week 8
Swift (groin) is listed as active Sunday at Baltimore.
ANALYSIS
For a second week in a row, Swift operated with a cap on his practice reps due to a groin injury and entered the weekend listed as questionable. On Saturday evening, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Swift was expected to play Sunday, which has come to pass. Swift is coming off back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances in which he combined for 36 touches for 313 yards from scrimmage and two total TDs. Considering the Ravens have given up the seventh-most YPC (4.7) to opposing running backs this season, he has a prime opportunity to keep up his recent hot streak Week 8.
Oct 25, 2025
In line to play Sunday
Swift (groin), who is officially questionable for Sunday's matchup against Baltimore, is likely to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift logged a DNP/LP/LP practice progression during the week and was deemed questionable on Friday's final injury report. That was the same pattern as he recorded last week, when he ultimately suited up and handled 20 touches for 138 yards against New Orleans. Swift now appears set to suit up again in Week 8 against a Ravens squad that has given up the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season.
Oct 24, 2025
Listed as questionable
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Baltimore.
ANALYSIS
Swift followed the same practice pattern as last week, logging limited sessions Thursday and Friday after resting at the beginning of the week. He's listed as questionable, again, but it'll be surprising if he doesn't suit up, having played through the same injury last week en route to a 19-124-1 rushing line in the 26-14 win over New Orleans.
Oct 23, 2025
Makes return to practice
Swift (groin) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
A spectator for the Bears' first Week 8 practice session Wednesday, Swift was able to return to the field Thursday, albeit with a cap on his reps. Swift is coming off his two best performances of the season; he amassed 175 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown in a Week 6 win over the Commanders and 138 yards and another score in a Week 7 win over the Saints. Assuming he's able to make enough progress in his recovery from the groin issue to play this Sunday, Swift will be in line for a favorable matchup against a beat-up Baltimore defense that has given up 109.7 rushing yards per game versus running backs through six contests.
Oct 22, 2025
No practice Wednesday
Swift (groin) didn't practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Swift also tended to a groin injury last week, when he was limited in practice Thursday and Friday, entered the weekend as questionable and then was active this past Sunday against the Saints. He ended up reeling off 138 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD on 20 touches on a 53 percent snap share, so Wednesday's absence may be related to maintenance. Still, Swift's status is one to monitor as the week goes on to ensure he'll be out there again Sunday at Baltimore.
Oct 19, 2025
Impressive efficient in Week 7 win
Swift rushed 19 times for 124 yards and a touchdown and brought in his only target for 14 yards in the Bears' 26-14 win over the Saints on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift's long run on the day went for a relatively modest 23 yards, underscoring the fact he was able to consistently grind out productive gains throughout the afternoon. The veteran back both eclipsed the 100-yard mark and set a new season high in rushing yards for the second time in six days, and went in for his third rushing TD of the season on an 11-yard run with just over nine minutes remaining in the first half. Swift is unsurprisingly proving to be a key cog in head coach Ben Johnson's innovative offense, and he'll take aim at the Ravens' suspect run defense on the road in a Week 8 matchup next Sunday afternoon.
Oct 19, 2025
Active Sunday, as expected
Swift (groin) is listed as active Sunday against the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Swift has tended to three separate lower-body injuries so far this season, including a groin issue that limited him in the final two practices of the week, The Bears proceeded to tag their No. 1 RB as questionable for Week 7 action, but he told Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com on Friday that he intended to play Sunday, and his comment was corroborated via a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN on Saturday evening. Now that Chicago has confirmed as much, Swift should be good to handle his typical workload of 17 touches per game, which he's turned into 447 yards from scrimmage and three total TDs through five contests.
Oct 18, 2025
On track to face Saints
Swift (groin), who is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, but he was limited in practice Thursday and Friday. The starting running back is recovering from a groin injury sustained during Chicago's win over the Commanders in Week 6, a narrow 25-24 victory in which he compiled a season-high 175 yards from scrimmage plus a receiving touchdown. Swift previously suited up despite initially being listed as questionable Week 3 (quad) and Week 4 (hip) and didn't see his workload decline in either contest, so fantasy managers can expect typical volume as long as he's officially listed as active when the Bears' inactives list is released roughly 90 minutes ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.
Oct 17, 2025
Says he'll play
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable but told reporters Friday that he'll play against the Saints on Sunday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift also clarified that he suffered the groin injury during Sunday's 25-24 win over Washington. He was a limited practice participant Thursday and Friday, but he said it was a matter of maintenance rather than not being capable of doing more. For what it's worth, Swift previously played through questionable tags Week 3 (quad) and Week 4 (hip), taking 34 total touches over the two-game stretch. He hasn't missed a game due to injury since Week 7 of 2022, back when he was with the Lions (and missed multiple games in each of his first three NFL seasons).
Oct 17, 2025
Listed as questionable
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints after a limited practice Friday.
ANALYSIS
The Bears added Swift to their injury report Thursday as a limited participant, with coach Ben Johnson telling reporters Friday that the running back's groin injury wasn't suffered during practice and isn't anything new. It thus sounds like Swift tweaked a pre-existing injury, although this is the first time he's been listed with a groin issue in 2025 (he was listed with a quad injury for Week 3 and a hip injury for Week 4). Regardless of the specifics, Swift's fantasy managers should have a backup plan in case he's deemed inactive ahead of the 1:00 ET kickoff Sunday. Rookie Kyle Monangai has been Chicago's No. 2 RB all season, but Roschon Johnson should also have a role if Swift doesn't play, and Travis Homer (knee) may soon be activated from injured reserve.
Oct 17, 2025
Groin injury isn't new
Bears coach Ben Johnson said Friday morning that Swift's groin injury isn't something new from practice, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It sounds like Swift's addition to the injury report Thursday (as a limited participant) was a matter of maintenance rather than anything that might impact his Week 7 availability, but it's still worth keeping an eye on the situation unless he avoids a designation on the final injury report Friday afternoon.
Oct 16, 2025
Tending to groin issue
Swift was limited at Thursday's practice due to a groin injury.
ANALYSIS
Swift broke out with 175 yards from scrimmage and a receiving TD on 16 touches during Monday's 25-24 win at Washington. He wasn't listed on Wednesday's estimated injury report, but a groin has emerged since then for the Bears' No. 1 running back. Swift thus may need to practice in full Friday in order to avoid entering the weekend without a designation for Sunday's game against the Saints.
Oct 13, 2025
Breaks out on MNF
Swift rushed 14 times for 108 yards while catching two of three targets for 67 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 25-24 win over the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
Swift broke out in a big way on Monday Night Football when he posted his first 100-yard game of the season. The 26-year-old also scored his first receiving touchdown of 2025 when he converted a short reception into a 55-yard trip to the end zone. Swift had been providing fantasy managers with a solid floor over his first four appearances this year, but he looked recharged coming out of Chicago's bye week. Swift will attempt to carry the momentum from his best outing to date into Sunday's tilt against New Orleans.
Sep 28, 2025
Grinds out solid score Sunday
Swift (hip) took 14 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown while catching four of six targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 25-24 win over Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Swift was limited during the practice week with a hip injury that had him listed as questionable leading up to Sunday's kickoff. The veteran starter suited up and rewarded fantasy managers with his second trip to the end zone in four games this season. The Bears placed no restrictions on the 26-year-old, handing him 14 of its 18 running back carries in the win. Swift has been generating just enough value on a weekly basis to warrant flex consideration in most formats. Managers will have to find a fill-in for Swift in Week 5 with the Bears on a bye, making Oct. 13 the next time we see Chicago's starting RB in action.
Sep 28, 2025
Playing in Week 4
Swift (hip) is active for Sunday's game at Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
A limited practice participant during Week 3 prep due to a quadriceps injury and in advance of Week 4 action due to a hip issue, Swift remains ready to pace the Bears backfield Sunday. Through three contests this season, his snap share has ranged from 57 to 81 percent, but his workload has remained steady, as he's averaged 17 touches for 70.7 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring one TD on the ground.
Sep 28, 2025
In line to suit up in Week 4
Swift (hip) is slated to play Sunday at Las Vegas, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift has operated with a cap on his practice reps the last two weeks, first due to a quad injury during Week 3 prep and then a hip issue prior to Week 4 action. He was able to handle 61 percent of the snaps during last Sunday's win against the Cowboys on his way to 16 touches for 78 yards from scrimmage. Swift's status wil receive clarity once the Bears post their inactive list about 90 minutes before this Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.
Sep 26, 2025
Listed as questionable
Swift (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Swift was a limited practice participant Wednesday through Friday, following the same routine as last week, only this time due to a hip injury instead of an issue with his quadriceps. He seems more likely than not to play again, but fantasy managers would be wise to check back in for updates this weekend, ahead of a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday. Kyle Monangai is the only other running back to play a snap on offense for the Bears this season.
Sep 25, 2025
Limited again Thursday
Swift (hip) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift maintained his activity level from Wednesday as he deals with a hip injury, leaving him just one more opportunity to prove his health ahead of the weekend. Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not he has a designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders. Through three weeks this season, Swift is averaging 17 touches for 70.7 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring one touchdown.
Sep 24, 2025
Dealing with hip issue
Swift was limited in practice Wednesday due to a hip injury.
ANALYSIS
After he operated with a cap on his reps last week due to a quad issue, Swift was able to suit up this past Sunday against the Cowboys and turn his 16 touches into 78 yards from scrimmage. He did cede seven touches to rookie RB Kyle Monangai, while Roschon Johnson again stuck to special teams. In any case, Swift's status will be monitored as the week continues, and Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not he enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game at Las Vegas.
Sep 22, 2025
Salvages day with long catch
Swift recorded 13 carries for 33 yards in Sunday's 31-14 win over the Cowboys. He added three receptions on four targets for 45 yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift was one of only a few poor performers for Chicago on Sunday. He was unable to find much running room throughout the game and was held below 50 rushing yards for the first time this season. Instead, Swift made his impact as a receiver, picking up 41 yards after a short dump off midway through the second quarter. Swift remains the clear leader of the Bears' backfield, he out-touched Kyle Monangi 16-7 and has found the end zone in each of the last two contests.
Sep 21, 2025
Active as expected Sunday
Swift (quadriceps) is active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Earlier reports indicated Swift would be playing through his quadriceps issue, and that is now official. The veteran back should fill his usual lead-back role and will aim to capitalize on a Cowboys defense that's allowed 121.0 rushing yards per game through the first two contests of the season.
Sep 20, 2025
Slated to play Sunday
Swift (quadriceps) is expected to play Sunday against the Cowboys, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift handled 35 combined touches through the first two games of the season and then was limited in each practice of Week 3 prep due to a quad injury. Now that he's in line to suit up Sunday, he'll take on his typical role as the Bears' No. 1 RB if he's confirmed to be active about 90 minutes before a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.
Sep 19, 2025
Questionable for Week 3
Swift (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Dallas.
ANALYSIS
Swift was a limited practice participant Wednesday through Friday, never quite progressing to 'full'. More information may be available throughout the weekend, but fantasy managers should at least consider the possibility of a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Kyle Monangai was Chicago's No. 2 running back for the past two games, while Roschon Johnson missed Week 1 with a foot injury and then strictly played special teams in a Week 2 blowout loss.
Sep 18, 2025
Limited in practice again
Swift (quadriceps) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Swift appaers to have picked up a quad injury during Chicago's loss to the Lions in Week 2, and he's since put together back-to-back limited practice sessions. If he's unable to upgrade to full reps Friday, it sounds as though Swift will carry a "questionable" designation into Sunday's home game against the Cowboys. Through two appearances this season, Swift has compiled 116 rushing yards on 29 carries (4.0 YPC) and one touchdown, while also securing six of eight targets for 18 yards and losing one fumble.
Sep 17, 2025
Dealing with quad concern
Swift practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday due to a quadriceps injury.
ANALYSIS
Swift has kicked off the 2025 season in his typical role as the Bears' No. 1 running back, turning 29 carries into 116 yards (4.0 YPC) and one touchdown and six catches (on eight targets) into 18 yards through two contests. Meanwhile, rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai has combined for nine touches in that same span. With an injury now in tow, though, Swift's status will be one to watch as the week goes on to ensure he'll be out there Sunday against the Cowboys.
Sep 14, 2025
Productive in lopsided loss
Swift rushed 12 times for 63 yards and a touchdown and brought in all three targets for six yards in the Bears' 52-21 loss to the Lions on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Swift was able to serve as a bright spot for the Bears' offense on a mostly forgettable afternoon, putting together an efficient performance on the ground that included a three-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. However, Swift also short-circuited what appeared to be a scoring drive when he lost a fumble at the Lions' 31-yard line late in the first quarter. Through two games, Swift remains the clear No. 1 back in Chicago's ground attack, and he'll have a favorable matchup at home against the Cowboys in a Week 3 showdown next Sunday.
Sep 8, 2025
Gets 20 touches in Week 1 loss
Swift rushed 17 times for 53 yards and caught three of five targets for 12 yards in Monday's 27-24 loss to the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Swift finished five yards shy of Caleb Williams' team-high rushing total and was the only Bears running back to record a carry, though rookie Kyle Monangai had one catch out of the backfield. While Swift seems locked into a high touch floor again due to a lack of competition, efficiency remains a concern, as he averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry last season and dipped to just 3.1 in Monday's small sample. Finding running room won't be easy in Week 2 against the Lions, who held Swift to 59 rushing yards on 20 carries (3.0 YPC) in two 2024 meetings.
Aug 23, 2025
Gains 34 yards in preseason debut
Swift rushed seven times for 28 yards with one reception for six yards in Friday's 29-27 preseason win over the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Swift made his 2025 preseason debut Friday after sitting out an additional game against Buffalo last week. The 26-year-old moved the ball well on eight touches as he prepares to lead Chicago's backfield for the second consecutive campaign. Swift generated 1,345 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in 17 starts last year, numbers he could easily reproduce with a clean bill of health in 2025.
Aug 17, 2025
Slated to play Sunday
Swift is in line to play with the rest of the Bears' starters during Sunday's preseason game against Buffalo, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift did not play during last Sunday's 24-24 preseason tie versus the Dolphins, as the Bears opted not to play any of their starters during their opening exhibition. This group should get some run during this Sunday's preseason game No. 2, though it's unclear how long the first-team offense will stay on the field versus the Bills. Swift led the Bears' backfield during his first season with the team in 2024, and he should once again serve as RB1 in a room that also includes third-year back Roschon Johnson (foot) and seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai.
Jun 4, 2025
Eyeing bounceback season
Swift said Tuesday at mandatory minicamp that he's "being very critical about how I played last year" and is "excited about this year" under new head coach Ben Johnson, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times reports.
ANALYSIS
The first season of Swift's three-year, $24 million deal with the Bears disappointed compared to expectations, as he finished with just 959 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns despite playing all 17 regular-season games and handling a career-high 253 carries. He averaged just 3.8 YPC in 2024 after having combined for 4.6 YPC across the first for years of his NFL career. As such, it was somewhat surprising to see Chicago fail to add notable backfield competition in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. Rookie seventh-round pick joins Roschon Johnson as a depth option, but Swift seems destined to reprise a starting role. With the benefit of a much-improved O-line and Johnson's promising offensive scheme, Swift will be in tremendous position to improve upon his 2024 stats if he sees a similar amount of opportunities. Johnson, who was Swift's offensive coordinator during his final season in Detroit in 2022, called the running back a "fierce competitor" and praised his willingness to "find a way to put his shoulder down a
Feb 25, 2025
May get more competition
Swift is unlikely to be released this offseason, but the Bears may prioritize adding another running back, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.
ANALYSIS
Swift is scheduled to make $8 million in 2025, with more than three-fourths of the money guaranteed. His 2024 performance was disappointing relative to the three-year, $24 million contract he signed last offseason, although it could be argued he was a victim of circumstance more so than a major part of the problem during a horrible season for Chicago's offense. The scheme should improve under new head coach Ben Johnson, but it's uncertain how much Swift will benefit if that happens, as the Bears don't lack for draft capital and cap space to pursue upgrades (or at least competition).
Jan 5, 2025
Scores rush TD in win
Swift rushed 20 times for 65 yards and a touchdown and failed to bring in either of his two targets in the Bears' 24-22 win over the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift finished off his Bears debut campaign in relatively productive fashion, posting a four-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter to round out a solid fantasy day. The veteran back fell just short of his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, compiling 959 rushing yards while playing all 17 regular-season games. Swift finished the season as the indisputable leader of the ground attack, and despite the fact there could well be a new offensive system in place next season, he should retain the No. 1 role heading into the 2025 campaign.
Dec 26, 2024
Finishes with 81 total yards
Swift rushed 12 times for 53 yards and brought in four of five targets for 28 yards in the Bears' 6-3 loss to the Seahawks on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Swift outpaced Roschon Johnson by eight carries and 48 yards while also finishing second in both receiving yards and targets for the Bears on the night. The veteran back was back in double digits in rush attempts after seeing a season-long streak snapped in Week 16 against the Lions, and Swift's rushing yardage total was his second highest since Week 11. Swift will need 106 rushing yards against the Packers in a Week 18 road matchup on Sunday, Jan. 5 to hit the 1,000-yard mark for the second straight season.
Dec 22, 2024
Accrues 53 total yards in loss
Swift rushed nine times for 20 yards and brought in all three targets for 33 yards in the Bears' 34-17 loss to the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift unsurprisingly struggled on the ground against Detroit's tough run defense, and game script also eventually turned against the ground attack. However, the veteran back was able to at least partly make up for it with a serviceable day through the air, generating his second-highest receiving yardage total since Week 5. Swift failed to log double-digit carries for the first time this season, but he should have a good opportunity to get back to that volume in a Week 17 home matchup against the Seahawks on Thursday night.
Dec 17, 2024
Goes for 89 yards Monday
Swift (groin) rushed 19 times for 79 yards while bringing in his lone target for 10 receiving yards in Monday's 30-12 loss to Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Swift created a conundrum for fantasy managers when he was deemed questionable with a groin injury for one of the last two games of Week 15. The 25-year-old performed well on 20 touches given the negative game script, and the 19 carries ranked second for the tailback in 14 starts this season. Swift did fail to punch in a short touchdown early in the second half, forcing the Bears to settle for a field goal in the eventual loss. Now healthy, the Georgia product will prepare to face the team that drafted him in 2020 (Detroit Lions) on Sunday.
Dec 16, 2024
Active in Week 15
Swift (groin) is listed as active Monday at Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Swift missed Thursday's walkthrough and Friday's practice due to a groin injury, but a limited session Saturday left the running back questionable for Week 15 action. While Swift will be able to suit up Monday, Roschon Johnson remains sidelined due to the concussion that he suffered Week 13, and Travis Homer and practice-squad call-up Darrynton Evans also are available to the Bears backfield. On the season, Swift is averaging 17.5 touches for 81.3 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring five rushing TDs in his 13 appearances.
Dec 14, 2024
Listed as questionable for Monday
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Swift managed to practice in limited fashion Saturday, an upgrade after failing to practice either of the past two days. That's effectively the same cadence the fifth-year back had last week before ultimately suiting up against the 49ers, where he tallied just 38 yards on 14 carries and barely factored in the passing game. Chicago's offense fell woefully behind in that contest almost immediately, but it's possible the Vikings could put their divisional rival in a similar game-script bind come Monday. If Swift was ultimately unable to play and Roschon Johnson (concussion) already ruled out, Travis Homer projects to see a heavy workload, with Darrynton Evans also factoring in.
Dec 13, 2024
Held out of practice again
Swift (groin) didn't practice Friday.
ANALYSIS
Although he's played through groin or quad injuries on numerous occasions this year, Swift appears in real danger of missing Monday's game at Minnesota now that the Bears have listed him as a non-participant on consecutive days. He'll have one last chance to practice Saturday before the team releases its final injury report, and the same goes for Roschon Johnson, who remains sidelined with a concussion and is perhaps even less likely than Swift to play in Monday's game. Travis Homer is the remaining RB on the active roster, with Darrynton Evans available ln the practice squad. Homer has largely been a special teams player and passing-down specialist in the NFL, which means Evans may be the lead back if both Swift and Johnson end up inactive Monday night.
Dec 12, 2024
Listed as DNP on Thursday
Swift (going) didn't take part in Thursday's walkthrough.
ANALYSIS
Swift dealt with a quadriceps injury last week but still suited up this past Sunday at San Francisco. He didn't find much success, though, turning 15 touches into 40 yards from scrimmage on a 79 percent snap share. He's now tending to a new health concern, while fellow RB Roschon Johnson (concussion), who was inactive Week 14, also sat out Thursday, and Travis Homer (head) was listed as full. As a result, the Bears backfield will be monitored closely to see who among the trio may be available Monday in Minnesota.
Dec 8, 2024
Struggles continue in blowout loss
Swift (quadriceps) took 14 carries for 38 yards and caught one of two targets for two receiving yards in Sunday's 38-13 loss to San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
Swift dealt with a quadriceps injury during the practice week before ultimately being cleared for action Sunday. The 25-year-old dominated the backfield touches, but his 15 combined touches resulted in just 40 total yards. Swift has averaged well under four yards per carry in five of his last six contests with only one trip to the end zone over that span. Things won't get any easier for the Bears' offense as they prepare for a road tilt against Minnesota next Monday.
Dec 8, 2024
Active Sunday
Swift (quadriceps) is listed as active Sunday in San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
Swift mustered just one limited practice (Friday) during Week 14 prep, but a quad injury won't stop him from being available Sunday. There's a good chance he'll continue to lead the Bears backfield, especially with Roschon Johnson (concussion) sidelined, but Travis Homer and Darrynton Evans are on hand in the event Swift needs a breather at any point.
Dec 8, 2024
In line to play Sunday
Swift (quadriceps), who is questionable for Sunday's Week 14 tilt against the 49ers, is expected to suit up, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift entered the weekend deemed questionable to play Sunday after logging a DNP/DNP/LP progression during the practice week. It appears he'll be able to take the field, though, against a San Francisco defense that gave up 220 rushing yards -- albeit in a snowstorm -- against Buffalo last week. If Swift is indeed able to suit up Sunday, he'll be looking to break out of a two-game slump during which he's totaled a meager 69 rushing yards on 24 carries without a score. The veteran running back has been fine as a receiver in that span, however, tallying 70 yards on five catches.
Dec 6, 2024
Officially questionable for Week 14
Swift (quadriceps) practiced in a limited capacity Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Swift and DJ Moore (quadriceps) are both listed as questionable for Sunday's road matchup against San Francisco. After he missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, it's encouraging to see Swift listed as at least a limited participant Friday, but his status may not be made official until roughly 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. With Roschon Johnson (concussion) already ruled out for Week 14, Travis Homer and practice-squad member Darrynton Evans will be in line to lead Chicago's backfield if Swift can't go.
Dec 5, 2024
Missing from practice again
Swift (quadricep) didn't practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift and Roschon Johnson (concussion) were spectators for the second practice in a row, leaving the availability of both of Chicago's top two running backs in question as Sunday's game against the 49ers approaches. The two will both have one last chance to practice Friday before the Bears decide whether either carries a designation into the weekend. If both Swift and Johnson end up sitting out this weekend, Travis Homer and practice-squad member Darrynton Evans would serve as the Bears' primary options out of the backfield.
Dec 4, 2024
Listed as DNP on Wednesday
Swift (quadriceps) did not practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Swift is one of three key skill-position starters for Chicago absent from practice Wednesday, alongside wideouts DJ Moore (quadriceps) and Keenan Allen (ankle). The Bears are at least benefiting from an extended period of rest, coming off a 23-20 loss to the Lions on Thursday in Week 13, but Swift's status will need to be closely monitored as Sunday's road game against the 49ers approaches. With Roschon Johnson (concussion) also a non-participant Wednesday, special-teams ace Travis Homer may have a path to increased offensive reps Week 14.
Nov 28, 2024
Limited rushing room Thursday
Swift ran for 39 yards on 11 carries and caught two passes for 35 yards on three targets in Thursday's 23-20 loss to the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Swift's rushing box score isn't impressive, but he showed well enough in a difficult setting. The Detroit run defense is one of the best in the league, and Swift mostly ran tough. No one will mistake Swift for one of the league's top running backs, but he has not been the cause of any of the problems with his team's offense. As much as there's no guarantee the Bears are more organized against the 49ers in Week 14, Swift has mostly proven by now that he will produce reasonably well if the circumstances suit it.
Nov 24, 2024
Held to 65 yards from scrimmage
Swift rushed the ball 13 times for 30 yards in Sunday's 30-27 overtime loss to the Vikings. He added three receptions on four targets for 35 yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift gained only 20 yards on 10 carries in the first half and was largely scripted out of the contest in the final two quarters as the Bears played from behind. He did manage his highest yardage total as a receiver since Week 5 to avoid a completely disastrous performance. While Swift has been effective for large portions of the season, he may not bounce back in Week 13 against a tough Lions run defense.
Nov 24, 2024
Suiting up Sunday
Swift (groin) is listed as active Sunday against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
After logging a DNP on Wednesday due to a groin injury, Swift followed it up with a limited session Thursday and full participation Friday before the Bears deemed him questionable for Week 12 action. With his status now confirmed for Sunday's contest, he likely will pace Chicago's backfield, but the team could deploy a timeshare considering Swift handled 54 percent of snaps while fellow RB Roschon Johnson earned 44 percent during last Sunday's loss to the Packers. Nevertheless, Swift has averaged 19.2 touches per game over the last nine outings after taking a season-low 10 back in Week 1.
Nov 24, 2024
Team confident in playing status
Swift (groin), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, is trending towards playing, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
This makes sense given Swift was able to practice fully Friday, and evidently the running back didn't suffer any significant setbacks. The four-year back split plenty of carries with Roschon Johnson in the Week 11 loss to the Packers, but that likely could have been due more to game script than anything else. Expect official confirmation on Swift's game-time status to occur before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.
Nov 22, 2024
Listed as questionable
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings after upgrading to full practice participation Friday.
ANALYSIS
Swift is more likely than not to play, having upgraded from non-participation Wednesday to a limited practice Thursday to a full session Friday. If there's a late setback and he ends up inactive ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, Roschon Johnson will take over as Chicago's lead back.
Nov 21, 2024
Gets back to limited Thursday
Swift (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.
ANALYSIS
The Bears held Swift out of drills Wednesday due to a groin injury with the aim to evaluate him further one day later. With a capped session under his belt Thursday, he may be on a path to upholding coach Matt Eberflus' hope that the running back will be available Week 12, per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Friday's practice report ultimately will reveal whether or not Swift goes into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Nov 20, 2024
Nursing groin injury
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said Swift won't practice Wednesday due to a groin injury, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Finley, Eberflus added that he's "hopeful" Swift will play Sunday against the Vikings, but the Bears won't have a better idea on the running back's status until he's evaluated Thursday following a day of rest. Swift hasn't appeared on Chicago's injury report all season, but the groin issue may explain why he was limited to a 57 percent offensive snap share -- his lowest rate since Week 3 -- in the Bears' 20-19 loss to the Packers this past Sunday. Swift still produced for fantasy managers despite the lighter-than-usual workload, carrying 14 times for 71 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches for 13 yards on two targets.
Nov 17, 2024
Garners 84 total yards in loss
Swift rushed 14 times for 71 yards and a touchdown and brought in both targets for 13 yards in the Bears' 20-19 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift recorded his fifth rushing touchdown of the season on a game-long 39-yard run late in the third quarter, which also helped him to his highest rushing yardage total in the last three games. The veteran back and first-year Bear does continue ceding red-zone work to Roschon Johnson, which naturally isn't ideal for fantasy purposes, but Swift's big-play ability and clear lead-back role gives him plenty of appeal heading into a Week 12 home divisional showdown against the Vikings.
Nov 10, 2024
Tough sledding in Week 10
Swift carried the ball 16 times for 59 yards and caught his only target for six yards in Sunday's 19-3 loss to the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
The Bears came into the game missing both starting tackles on the offensive line and then saw left guard Teven Jenkins go down to an ankle injury in the first half, and the offense simply couldn't get anything going without consistent blocking. Rookie QB Caleb Williams took the worst of it, getting sacked nine times, but Swift also failed to average 4.0 yards a carry or get into the end zone for the third straight game. Unless the offensive line gets healthier, it will be tough to rely on any part of the Chicago offense heading into a Week 11 rivalry game against Green Bay.
Nov 3, 2024
Totals 82 yards in loss
Swift rushed the ball 16 times for 51 yards in Sunday's 29-9 loss to the Cardinals. He added six receptions on six targets for 31 yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift was bottled up as a runner throughout the game, as his longest gain went for just 13 yards and his 3.2 yards per carry were his lowest mark since Week 3. He did supplement that with six receptions to lead the team, though he worked exclusively in short areas of the field and had no explosive gains. Ultimately, Swift managed a fine performance based on volume, particularly given that the entire Chicago offense performed poorly.
Oct 27, 2024
Excellent performance in loss
Swift rushed the ball 18 times for 129 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 18-15 loss to the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
Chicago's offense was sluggish coming out of its bye, and Swift was no exception as he managed only 10 carries for 31 yards at halftime. He got things rolling in the final two quarters, however, highlighted by a 56-yard touchdown late in the third quarter as well as a 22-yard scamper early in the fourth quarter. With the performance, Swift topped 100 yards on the ground for the first time this season and now has taken a trip to the end zone in four straight contests.
Oct 13, 2024
Another productive effort in win
Swift rushed 17 times for 91 yards and a touchdown and brought in all four targets for 28 yards in the Bears' 35-16 win over the Jaguars on Sunday in London. He also committed a fumble recovered by Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Swift continued to put the poor start to his Bears tenure firmly behind him Sunday with his second-highest rushing yardage total of the season. Swift also recorded a rushing touchdown for the third straight game when he went into the end zone from one yard out early in the fourth quarter. The veteran back extended his streak of games with multiple catches to five as well, sending him into a Week 7 bye with plenty of momentum. Swift will next take aim at a suspect Commanders defense on the road in a Week 8 matchup in Sunday, Oct. 27.
Oct 6, 2024
Has 285 yards in last two games
Swift rushed 21 times for 73 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for 47 yards in Sunday's 36-10 win over the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Swift had a one-yard touchdown run nullified by an illegal shift penalty in the second quarter and watched Roschon Johnson score from one yard out two plays later. Swift had another near-miss later in the first half when he was brought down on the 2-yard line at the end of a 42-yard catch, but this time he finished the drive off himself with a one-yard touchdown run two plays later. After posting 42 or fewer scrimmage yards in each of his first three games with the Bears, Swift has heated up with 285 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns over the last two games heading into a Week 6 matchup against the generous Jaguars defense in London.
Sep 29, 2024
Best game of season Sunday
Swift rushed 16 times for 93 yards and a touchdown and brought in all seven targets for 72 yards in the Bears' 24-18 win over the Rams on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Mired in a forgettable three-game funk to open his Bears tenure, Swift consistently found more daylight right from the start of the game than he had during his first three contests. The versatile back eventually broke loose for his longest run of the season, a 36-yard touchdown scamper early in the fourth quarter. Swift added season highs in receptions and receiving yards for good measure, making it a fruitful afternoon by both real-life and fantasy football standards. With the lead-back role still clearly in his grasp, Swift next takes aim at the Panthers' defense in a Week 5 home matchup.
Sep 22, 2024
Bottled up by Indy
Swift carried the ball 13 times for 20 yards and caught two of four targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 21-16 loss to the Colts.
ANALYSIS
Even with DeForest Buckner (ankle) missing from the Indianapolis front seven, Swift couldn't get anything going on the ground behind Chicago's poor offensive line. Roschon Johnson, who failed to get an offensive snap through the first two games of the season, actually led the Bears in rushing yards on the afternoon with 30 on eight carries. Swift's usage as a receiver is keeping his production from completely bottoming out, but it's been a bleak start to his Bears tenure with just 1.7 yards per carry so far. He'll try to pick up the pace in Week 4 against the Rams.
Sep 16, 2024
Two duds so far in CHI
Swift ran the ball 14 times for 18 yards and caught four of five targets for 24 yards in Sunday's primetime loss to the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Swift continued to dominate the backfield touches in Chicago since signing with the team this past offseason. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the electric back has been grounded through two starts this season (2.0 YPC). In positive news, no other running back saw more than two carries or receptions in Sunday's lackluster offensive showing. Swift's next opportunity to prove his worth to his new club will come in the form of a road tilt against the Colts on Sunday.
Sep 8, 2024
Inefficient showing in CHI debut
Swift rushed the ball 10 times for 30 yards in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Titans.
ANALYSIS
The game script didn't align for Swift to have a good game, as the Bears fell behind 17-3 by halftime and possessed the ball for only 25:07. He also wasn't impressive with the opportunity he received, as half of his 10 attempts went for one or fewer yards. Positively, Swift led the backfield as no other back on the roster saw more than two carries.
Aug 22, 2024
No action in preseason finale
Swift didn't log any action in the Bears' 34-13 preseason win over the Chiefs on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Swift unsurprisingly was held out of action along with the other Bears front-line players, as well as some key reserves such as backfield mates Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Swift enjoyed his healthiest season yet in 2023 with the Eagles and parlayed it into his first 1,000-yard campaign, and he's expected to be key asset to rookie first overall pick Caleb Williams as both an effective runner that will command opposing defenses' respect and as a trusted target out of the backfield.
Aug 10, 2024
Shows shiftiness in preseason start
Swift rushed once for three yards and caught his only target for 42 yards in Saturday's 33-6 preseason win over the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Swift split snaps with Khalil Herbert (nine carries for 31 yards) while Chicago's starters were in the game, but the former Lions and Eagles running back is the more explosive option, and Swift showcased his shiftiness by turning a screen pass into a 42-yard gain on the opening drive. Swift will likely continue to see modest workloads throughout the preseason, including next Saturday's game against the Bengals, to ensure that he's healthy for the regular season.
Aug 8, 2024
On track to play this weekend
Coach Matt Eberflus indicated Thursday that healthy starters (a group that would include Swift) are slated to play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Bills, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift was among the team's key players who didn't see action in last week's Hall of Fame Game, but the 25-year-old (who spent last season with Philadelphia) is poised to make his game debut in a Chicago uniform Saturday. In his lone campaign with the Eagles, Swift logged a team (and career) high 1,049 yards to go along with five TDs on 229 carries, while adding a career-low 39 catches (on 49 targets) for 214 yards and a receiving score in 16 regular-season contests. Per Kevin Fishbainof The Athletic, Swift has demonstrated his ability as a pass-catcher over the past few weeks in practice, and it's plausible that the 2020 second-rounder could see an uptick in catches this coming season, while leading a backfield that also includes Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer.
Aug 1, 2024
Preseason debut on hold
With the Bears slated to rest key starters in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Texans, Swift is among the players not in line to see action in Chicago's preseason opener, wgntv.com reports.
ANALYSIS
With the theme of starters resting, QB Caleb Williams, as well as WRs DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze are also players who aren't expected to see action Thursday. The Bears' second exhibition game will take place Aug. 10 against the Bills.
Mar 11, 2024
Heading to Chicago
Swift and the Bears agreed to terms Monday on a three-year, $24 million contract, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
It's the first major deal reported during the free-agent negotiating period and can't be made official until Wednesday afternoon. Swift figures to step in as the lead back for an offense with a new coordinator (Shane Waldron) and likely a new quarterback (Caleb Williams?), though he probably won't be a workhorse given that the Bears also have Khalil Herbert and 2023 fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson under contract. Herbert, in particular, is a threat to take a good chunk of the carries, as he's averaged 4.9 YPC on 364 totes through three pro seasons. Herbert hasn't done much in the passing game -- 43 catches, 4.9 YPT -- and doesn't figure to get many chances there now that Swift is on the team.
Jan 16, 2024
Disappointing end to season
Swift (illness) had 10 carries for 34 yards and caught all four of his targets for 32 yards in Monday's 32-9 loss to Tampa Bay.
ANALYSIS
Swift returned to action after missing the Eagles' regular-season finale with an illness. Philly's lead back didn't have his usual burst on his 10 rushing attempts (3.4 YPC), as he might have still been feeling the effects from the illness he just overcame. Whatever the case may have been, it was a down game from nearly every offensive player not named DeVonta Smith (8-148-0). Swift's regular season had a much brighter tone, as the former Detroit Lion unlocked his first 1,000-yard season following his trade to the Eagles this past offseason. With Philadelphia's season officially concluding with the loss to Tampa Bay, Swift will enter free agency on the heels of his best statistical season to date.
Jan 11, 2024
Full practice Thursday
Swift (illness) practiced fully Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift didn't show up on the Eagles' Week 18 injury report until Friday as limited due to an illness and entered last weekend as questionable. He proceeded to be inactive this past Sunday at the Giants, allowing the trio of Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny to man the team's backfield in that contest. With three more days to recover from his ailment, Swift was able to handle every rep to begin the week and thus is in line to resume his standing as Philadelphia's lead runner in Monday's wild-card game in Tampa Bay.
Jan 7, 2024
Sitting out Sunday
Swift (illness) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Swift was a surprise addition to the injury report Friday, when he was listed as questionable for the Week 18 contest after he was a limited participant in the Eagles' final practice of the week due to the illness. The running back had still been hopeful to play in the regular-season finale, but Swift ultimately didn't make enough progress in his recovery from the ailment to gain clearance to play. With Swift out of the mix for Sunday's game, the Eagles are likely to lean on Kenneth Gainwell as their primary running back, though reserves Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny could have roles in the offensive game plan as well.
Jan 7, 2024
Unlikely to play Sunday
Swift (illness) remains listed as questionable but isn't expected to play Sunday against the Giants, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
A late addition to the Week 18 injury report after he was a limited participant in practice Friday, Swift apparently wasn't able to make enough progress in his recovery from the illness over the last two days to give it a go Sunday. Swift's status will be verified when Philadelphia releases its inactive list approximately 90 minutes prior to the game's 4:25 p.m. ET kikckoff. Assuming Swift ends up sitting out, the Eagles could take a three-pronged committee approach to the backfield featuring Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny.
Jan 5, 2024
Questionable after limited practice
Swift is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants with an illness.
ANALYSIS
Despite being ill Friday, Swift was able to participate in the Eagles' final Week 18 practice as a limited participant, so he'll most likely be ready to play come Sunday. The Eagles have already clinched a postseason spot, but because the team can win the NFC East (and secure a first-round bye in the playoffs) with a victory plus a Dallas loss to Washington, Philadelphia isn't expected to limit any of its key contributors. With that in mind, Swift should be in store for his usual role Sunday as the Eagles' lead back, provided his condition doesn't take a turn for the worse leading up to the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.
Dec 31, 2023
Reaches 1,000 rushing yards
Swift rushed 13 times for 61 yards and caught his lone target for five yards in Sunday's 35-31 loss to Arizona.
ANALYSIS
Swift paced Philadelphia's backfield with 13 carries Sunday, losing just two carries to backup Kenneth Gainwell. The former didn't pop off any highlight-reel runs in the last-minute loss, but Swift finished the game with 1,000 rushing yards in a season for the first time in his career. The Eagles' star tailback will enter the final week of the regular season with 1,263 yards from scrimmage and six combined touchdowns through 16 games.
Dec 25, 2023
Gets into end zone Monday
Swift carried the ball 20 times for 92 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 33-25 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
The running back posted his best rushing yards total since Week 3 while getting into the end zone for the first time since Week 11 on a five-yard plunge in the fourth quarter. Swift is closing in on his first career 1,000-yard rushing season, needing just 12 yards more, and he should reach that milestone early in a Week 17 clash with the Cardinals.
Dec 18, 2023
Solid rushing night in loss
Swift rushed 18 times for 74 yards and brought in two of three targets for one yard in the Eagles' 20-17 loss to the Seahawks on Monday night.
ANALYSIS
Swift had only five more carries than Jalen Hurts, but the running back's tally still tied for his second highest this season. Swift's yardage haul was his third over 70 in the last five games as well, and he was able to get back on the stat sheet as a pass catcher, albeit modestly, after being blanked in that department against the Cowboys in Week 14. Swift next takes aim at the porous Giants run defense in a Week 16 matchup on Christmas Day, one he'll enter 104 rushing yards shy of his first 1,000-yard campaign.
Dec 11, 2023
Stymied in Week 14 loss
Swift rushed 11 times for 39 yards in the Eagles' 33-13 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday night.
ANALYSIS
The game script began to turn away from the Eagles' ground game fairly early, as the Cowboys owned a 10-0 lead after one and a 24-6 advantage by halftime. That helped lead to one of Swift's lower rush-attempt totals of the season, and despite the sizable deficit Philadelphia operated with most of the game, Swift was also shut out of the passing game altogether for the first time in his Eagles tenure, making it a disappointing all-around night. The fourth-year pro will aim to bounce back in a Week 15 road matchup against the Seahawks on Monday night, Dec. 18.
Dec 6, 2023
Avoids injury report
Swift (undisclosed) wasn't listed on the Eagles' first Week 14 injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Swift was on the receiving end of a big hit at the tail end of this past Sunday's loss to the 49ers, visiting the sideline tent before going to the locker room. The reason for his departure wasn't divulged, and he didn't have any restrictions at Wednesday's walkthrough. Swift is coming off his worst performance of the season as the Eagles' No. 1 RB, having combined for just 20 yards from scrimmage on eight touches Week 13. He'll face another tough task Sunday versus a Cowboys defense that has conceded the ninth-most yards per carry (3.7) and ninth-most touchdowns (seven) to running backs in 12 games on the campaign.
Dec 3, 2023
Injured late in lopsided loss
Swift (undisclosed) went to the locker room in the final minutes of Sunday's 42-19 loss to the 49ers, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift went into the blue medical tent after taking a big hit. Shortly afterward, he made his way to the locker room. Clarification wasn't immediately provided regarding the nature of Swift's injury, which was suffered late in the fourth quarter. Swift finished the loss with just six carries for 13 yards and two catches on six targets for seven yards.
Nov 30, 2023
Logs full practice Thursday
Swift (ankle) practiced fully Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift kicked off Week 13 prep with a limited listing on Wednesday's estimated practice report due to an ankle injury. Unlike last week, though, he got back to all activity one day earlier (Thursday versus Friday), putting himself in a position to continue to lead the Eagles backfield this weekend. Swift is facing a tough task Sunday against a 49ers defense that has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards (658) and eighth-least touchdowns (six) to opposing running backs in 11 games on the campaign.
Nov 29, 2023
Still tending to ankle injury
Swift (ankle) was listed as limited on Wednesday's practice estimate.
ANALYSIS
Like he was a week ago, Swift is kicking off Week 13 prep with a cap on his reps at Wednesday's walkthrough. If he follows the same on-field routine this time around, he'll be limited Thursday and full Friday before the Eagles clear him to play Sunday versus the 49ers. Swift didn't seem worse for wear this past Sunday against the Bills, turning 15 touches into 84 yards from scrimmage on a normal 63 percent share of the offensive snaps.
Nov 26, 2023
Strong showing on ground Sunday
Swift carried the ball 14 times for 80 yards and caught his only target for four yards in Sunday's 37-34 overtime win over the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Nearly half of Swift's production came on a 36-yard run in the second quarter that helped set up an A.J. Brown touchdown, but he also broke loose for a 16-yard gain in OT that set the stage for a game-winning TD scamper by Jalen Hurts. It was Swift's best performance on the ground since Week 3, but he's seen at least 15 touches in 10 straight games and has already set a new career high in rushing yards with 770 through 11 contests. He's just 29 scrimmage yards short of his second career season with 1,000 heading into a Week 13 tilt against the 49ers.
Nov 24, 2023
Cleared to face Bills
Swift (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Swift and WR A.J. Brown both avoid the final injury report after upgrading to full practice participation Friday. While his role doesn't come with a lot of goal-line touches, Swift has been unchallenged as Philadelphia's lead runner for more than two months now and hasn't missed a single game.
Nov 23, 2023
Stays limited Thursday
Swift (ankle) was listed as limited on Thursday's practice report.
ANALYSIS
Swift continues to have a cap on his listed reps due to an ankle injury as the Eagles prepare for Sunday's contest against the Bills. As such, his listing, or lack thereof, on Friday's report could be telling for the state of Philadelphia's backfield for Week 12. If Swift ends up ceding RB reps this weekend, Kenneth Gainwell likely would be the primary beneficiary.
Nov 22, 2023
Dealing with ankle issue
Swift was a limited participant at Wednesday's walkthrough due to an ankle injury.
ANALYSIS
Swift opened the season as the direct backup to Kenneth Gainwell, but when the latter got injured Week 1, the former took over the Eagles backfield and hasn't given it up. Over the past nine contests, Swift has averaged 19.8 touches for 98.2 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring five TDs. Now with a health concern in tow, his status will need to be monitored to see if he may be in danger of being inhibited or even out Sunday against the Bills.
Nov 20, 2023
Tops 100 scrimmage yards in Week 11
Swift rushed 12 times for 76 yards and a touchdown while catching all three of his targets for 31 yards in Monday's 21-17 win over Kansas City.
ANALYSIS
With Philadelphia's passing game stuck in first gear, Swift and the rushing attack led the way offensively, as all three of the Eagles' touchdowns came on the ground. Swift tied the game at 7-7 with a four-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, then helped set up Jalen Hurts' 10-yard rushing score in the third with a 35-yard run earlier on the drive. After exceeding 100 scrimmage yards for the fourth time this season, Swift should remain a key part of the game plan in Week 12 against the Bills.
Nov 5, 2023
Bottled up by Dallas
Swift carried the ball 18 times for 43 yards and caught both his targets for 31 yards in Sunday's 28-23 win over the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
While his final yardage numbers were respectable, Swift was contained on the ground by the Dallas front seven and averaged a woeful 2.4 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Kenneth Gainwell scored on a 12-yard run in the first quarter, and even Rashaad Penny saw his first totes since Week 2 in the second half as the Eagles tried to get their running game going. Swift's 20 touches still dominated the backfield (Gainwell and Penny had six touches combined), but the former Lion hasn't reached 80 scrimmage yards in four straight games. Swift will get a bye next week to recharge before preparing for a Super Bowl rematch with Kansas City in Week 11.
Oct 29, 2023
Grinds out touchdown in tough win
Swift rushed 16 times for 57 yards and a touchdown and secured two of three targets for seven yards in the Eagles' 38-31 win over the Commanders on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift had to work for every yard against a tough Commanders run defense, with his long gain on the day going for a modest nine yards. However, he was able to turn an ordinary fantasy day into an above-average one with a seven-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter off a fake "Brotherly Shove" play in which Jalen Hurts pitched to Swift after faking a sneak. The score snapped a three-game drought for the veteran back, who's also posted multiple catches in five consecutive contests heading into a Week 9 home showdown with the Cowboys.
Oct 23, 2023
Generates 75 yards on 18 touches
Swift had 15 carries for 62 yards and caught all three of his targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 31-17 win over Miami.
ANALYSIS
Swift posted a more traditional running back stat line Sunday after seeing most of his fantasy production come as a receiver against the Jets in Week 6. The 24-year-old did have a touchdown opportunity vultured by backup Kenneth Gainwell (8-16-1) late in the contest that may have frustrated fantasy managers. Swift was able to earn back some of those potential points when he vultured two garbage-time carries from Gainwell on Philadelphia's ensuing drive, netting 19 additional yards despite the game being well in hand. Swift will continue serving his fruitful fantasy role as the lead back for a top offense when the Eagles face the Commanders next Sunday.
Oct 15, 2023
Scores receiving TD Sunday
Swift had 10 carries for 18 yards while adding eight receptions on 10 targets for 40 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-14 loss to the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Swift was stymied by New York's beefy front on his team high 10 carries Sunday, but his busy work as a receiver helped offset his shortcomings on the ground. It was the 24-year-old's third touchdown of the season and first via a reception through six games with his new club. Swift had just nine receptions (11 targets) in Philadelphia's first four games before rattling off 14 catches over the last two weeks. The recent influx in targets only boosts Swift's fantasy value heading into next week's game against Miami on Sunday Night Football.
Oct 8, 2023
Goes over 100 combined yards
Swift had 17 carries for 70 yards and six receptions on as many targets for 38 yards in Sunday's 23-14 win over the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Swift teamed up with quarterback Jalen Hurts (15-71-1) for a methodical rushing performance that resulted in the Eagles nearly doubling the Rams' time of possession in the win. Kenneth Gainwell (7-17-0) was the only tailback other than Swift to receive a carry Sunday. Philadelphia's big offseason acquisition is averaging 18.8 carries and 107.8 rushing yards over the last four games following his Week 1 dud. Swift will look to continue his hot streak against the Jets next Sunday.
Oct 1, 2023
Gets into end zone in Sunday's win
Swift carried the ball 14 times for 56 yards and a touchdown and caught all four of his targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 34-31 overtime win over the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
While he couldn't match the massive yards totals he'd posted the prior two games, Swift made up for it by scoring his second TD of the season on a five-yard dash in the first quarter. The former Lion's 18 touches dwarfed the six Kenneth Gainwell saw, a promising trend for Swift heading into a Week 5 clash with the Rams.
Sep 25, 2023
Rushes for 130 with Gainwell back
Swift rushed 16 times for 130 yards and caught one of two targets for eight yards in Monday's 25-11 win over Tampa Bay.
ANALYSIS
Swift continued to handle the lead role, even with Kenneth Gainwell (ribs) back after missing one game. Gainwell rushed for just 43 yards on 14 carries in his return, while Swift boosted his rushing total to a whopping 305 yards over the past two games. Swift hurdled a defender on a 26-yard run in the third quarter, then showcased his burst again with a 29-yard run in the fourth. While Swift's modest 14 receiving yards through three games are concerning, he's been one of the league's most effective runners and should continue to lead Philadelphia's backfield in Week 4 against Washington.
Sep 22, 2023
Takes first rep at practice
Swift got the first practice rep Friday when the Eagles were working on hand-offs, followed by Kenneth Gainwell (ribs), Rashaad Penny and then Boston Scott, Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
It doesn't necessarily mean much, especially relative to Swift rumbling for 175 yards and a touchdown in the 34-28 win over Minnesota last Thursday. Gainwell missed that game and Scott left it early, allowing Swift to dominate the backfield work after recording only two touches on 19 snaps the week before. Swift is now the favorite to lead Philadelphia's backfield Monday in Tampa Bay, though probably not to the same extent as last week with Gainwell looking on track to return and Scott making his way out of concussion protocol Friday.
Sep 15, 2023
Explodes for career-best effort
Swift rushed 28 times for 175 yards and a touchdown and brought in all three targets for six yards in the Eagles' 34-28 win over the Vikings on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Playing the first game of his professional career in his hometown of Philadelphia, Swift took full advantage of the opportunity by authoring a career-best rushing performance. The offseason arrival, who'd logged just 19 snaps in his Eagles debut in Week 1 against the Patriots, exceeded 20 carries for only the second time in his career and posted a career-high yardage total. Swift's big night came in part due to Kenneth Gainwell's absence due to a rib injury and Boston Scott's (concussion) early exit, but after a night of noteworthy plays that included a 43-yard run and a two-yard touchdown run with 4:13 remaining that essentially sealed the game, it will be difficult to deny Swift leadership of the ground game in a tough Week 3 road matchup against the Buccaneers on Monday night, Sept. 25.
Sep 13, 2023
Set for more work sans Gainwell
Coach Nick Sirianni said Wednesday that Swift is capable of handling a large workload, if needed, with Kenneth Gainwell (ribs) ruled out for Thursday's game against Minnesota, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sirianni also said Swift will have games in which he's part of a rotation and other with the opportunity to handle large workloads. There's risk nonetheless when it comes to Swift's Week 2 fantasy prospects, considering he came off the bench behind Gainwell and got far fewer snaps and touches than his teammate in Sunday's win over New England. Gainwell's upcoming absence should allow Swift to improve on his 28 percent snap share and two touches from Week 1, but the Eagles also figure to use Boston Scott (two touches in the opener) and quite possibly Rashaad Penny (a healthy scratch).
Sep 11, 2023
Works behind Gainwell in opener
Swift logged 19 of a possible 66 snaps on offense in Sunday's 25-20 win over the Patriots en route to carrying once for three yards and recording one catch (on two targets) for zero yards.
ANALYSIS
With Rashaad Penny being made a healthy scratch in Week 1, Kenneth Gainwell started at running back for Philadelphia and parlayed his 41 snaps into 14 carries for 54 yards and four catches for 20 yards, while both Swift and Boston Scott (eight snaps) recorded just one carry and one catch. Looking ahead to this Thursday's contest against the Vikings, Swift profiles as a speculative fantasy lineup option, and that will be the case until the Eagles get the 2020 second-rounder more involved in the offense. Following Sunday's tilt, coach Nick Sirianni noted "I don't ever want to come out of a game where D'Andre Swift has only two touches." With that in mind, Swift could see more opportunities in Week 2, but for now at least he's behind Gainwell in the team's RB pecking order.
Sep 10, 2023
Poised for key Week 1 role
With Rashaad Penny expected to be a healthy scratch Sunday against the Patriots, Swift appears poised to lead the Eagles' Week 1 backfield, with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott also in the mix, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
The Eagles' posted depth chart doesn't indicate a single starter at running back, but Swift seems like a good bet to see his share of touches versus New England, with Gainwell and Scott mixing in. In any case, once the dust clears the team's Week 1 snaps counts figure to be telling with regard to how the Eagles plan to allocate their RB touches this coming season.
Aug 17, 2023
Not in line to play Thursday
Swift isn't in uniform ahead of Thursday's preseason game versus the Browns, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Meanwhile, Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Trey Sermon are suited up, per Martin Frank of The Delaware News Journal. Both Swift and Penny played in preseason Week 1 at Baltimore, while Gainwell and Scott did not, so Swift's absence this time around may be indicative of his standing in the Eagles backfield. Swift had two carries for 24 yards, including a 22-yard run, versus the Ravens.
Aug 12, 2023
Long run in preseason debut
Swift rushed twice for 24 yards in the Eagles' 20-19 preseason loss to the Ravens on Saturday night.
ANALYSIS
Making his in-game debut with his new team, Swift ripped off a team-long 22-yard run on his second and final carry of his brief night. Swift got the first running back touch of the night for Philadelphia ahead of fellow offseason acquisition Rashaad Penny,although the latter ultimately saw action on the first four possessions. Swift was uncharacteristically left out of the passing game, but his limited time in the game helps explain that outlier. Given he's still acclimating to a new offense, Swift could well see action again in Philadephia's second preseason game Thursday night against the Browns.
Aug 3, 2023
Excelling in camp practices
Swift has made the strongest impression of any Eagles running back in training camp, according to Tim McManus of ESPN.com.
ANALYSIS
Eliot Shorr-Parks of Sports Radio 94 WIP Philadelphia apparently agrees, saying Thursday, "I think Swift is def[initely] RB1" for the Eagles. Other reports have Swift highly active as a pass catcher in training camp, though he's unlikely to be any more than the fourth option in an offense with WRs A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert. A healthy, busy camp is a great sign for Swift, who nonetheless will need to fend off snap competition from Rashaad Penny, at the very least, and possibly from Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and/or Trey Sermon as well.
Apr 29, 2023
Sent to Philly in trade
Swift was traded by the Lions to the Eagles on Saturday for a 2025 fourth-round pick and additional compensation in the 2023 NFL Draft, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The writing for such a move seemed to be on the wall as soon as the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday. The third-year running back was dynamic as both a runner and pass-catcher when healthy, but the Lions never really unleashed the 2020 second-round pick either due to concerns regarding his consistent availability or just an organizational philosophy. In Philadelphia, Swift should get ample opportunities to prove his worth even if he ends up splitting time with offseason addition Rashaad Penny, as well as returnees Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.
Apr 29, 2023
Sent to Philly in trade
Swift was traded by the Lions to the Eagles on Saturday for a 2025 fourth-round pick and additional compensation in the 2023 NFL Draft, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The writing for such a move seemed to be on the wall as soon as the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday. The third-year running back was dynamic as both a runner and pass-catcher when healthy, but the Lions never really unleashed the 2020 second-round pick either due to concerns regarding his consistent availability or just an organizational philosophy. In Philadelphia, Swift should get ample opportunities to prove his worth even if he ends up splitting time with offseason addition Rashaad Penny, as well as returnees Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.
Apr 28, 2023
Receiving trade interest
The Lions have received inquiries about trading Swift in the wake of the team selecting Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
General manager Brad Holmes said Thursday that Swift is "still a part of our team," adding that "it is early," per Jeff Risdon of USA Today. The fact remains the team saw fit to spend a high first-round pick on a capable pass-catching back in Gibbs, after already having signed David Montgomery to a three-year, $18 million contract this offseason. It doesn't take much reading between the lines to see that Swift could be on the way out. A dynamic playmaker in his own right, durability concerns have limited Swift's upside with the Lions, as he missed at least three games in each of his three seasons with the team. It's possible, though, that another team could be intrigued enough by Swift's flashes to take a chance on him and be willing to part with more than a late-round pick in exchange for the young runner. For fantasy purposes, a chance of scenery would likely only boost Swift's stock with Gibbs now in the Lions' backfield mix.
Apr 28, 2023
Receiving trade interest
The Lions have received inquiries about trading Swift in the wake of the team selecting Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
General manager Brad Holmes said Thursday that Swift is "still a part of our team" Thursday, adding that "it is early," per Jeff Risdon of USA Today. The fact remains that the team saw fit to spend a high first-round pick on a capable pass-catching back in Gibbs, after already having signed David Montgomery to a three-year, $18 million contract this offseason. It doesn't take much reading between the lines to see that Swift could be on the way out. A dynamic playmaker in his own right, durability concerns have limited Swift's upside with the Lions, as he missed at least three games in each of his three seasons with the team. It's possible, though, that another team could be intrigued enough by Swift's flashes to take a chance on him and be willing to part with more than a late-round pick in exchange for the young runner. For fantasy purposes, a chance of scenery would likely only boost Swift's stock with Gibbs now atop the Lions' backfield depth chart.
Mar 20, 2023
Remains in Lions' plans
Head coach Dan Campbell indicated at the NFL Combine in early March that Detroit has no plans to give up on Swift, Woodward Sports Network reports. "We thought we had a recipe going into the year, and it didn't work out. ... We're going to start all over from scratch again. Let's find another way to help him stay on the field. ... He's too talented to not have out there."
ANALYSIS
Injuries forced Swift to miss three games for the third straight season in 2022, and he's been limited by an injury in many other games. This continued lack of durability, combined with Detroit upgrading from Jamaal Williams to David Montgomery last week, brings high levels of uncertainty to calculations of Swift's 2023 fantasy value. While Campbell's comments -- that were made before Montgomery's signing -- nonetheless suggest that the Lions know what they have in their big-play running back, it will be interesting to see what the next "recipe" may consist of considering the last one was to put less on Swift's plate (as he moved from 11.6 carries and 6.0 targets per game in 2021 to 7.1 carries and 5.0 targets per game in 2022). Until further notice, Swift should generally be considered a high-upside, low-floor fantasy option that gets a considerable boost in value within best-ball formats that use PPR scoring.
Jan 10, 2023
Avoiding offseason surgery
Swift said Monday that he won't require offseason surgeries to address the ankle and shoulder injuries he played through for most of the 2022 campaign, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Though Swift noted that he plans to visit with "a couple doctors" in the coming weeks, he believes that he'll return to full health over the offseason simply through rest and rehab. After amassing a career-high 144 rushing yards on 15 carries while playing 65 percent of the offensive snaps in the Lions' Week 1 loss to the Eagles, Swift never surpassed those three numbers over his subsequent 13 appearances on the season. Instead, the Lions leaned heavily on Jamaal Williams as their lead option on the ground the rest of the way, while Swift logged double-digit carries on just two other occasions and operated as the team's top pass-catching back. Swift still proved to be dynamic as a ballcarrier (5.5 yards per carry), so if he's able to enter the 2023 season in optimal health, he could siphon more work away from Williams, a pending free agent whom the Lions are presumably interested in re-signing.
Jan 9, 2023
Effective as receiving option
Swift had six carries for 25 yards and seven receptions for 61 yards in Sunday's 20-16 win over Green Bay.
ANALYSIS
Jamaal Williams (16-72-2) led the rushing attack -- as he had been doing all year -- forcing Swift to make his mark on the game primarily as a receiver. The 23-year-old performed well as part of a committee this season, racking up 931 combined yards and eight total touchdowns across 14 games. While those are decent totals, fantasy managers were hoping for more production from a player with such a high ADP in 2022. Swift will enter the fourth year of his rookie contract potentially as the lead back in Detroit with Williams lined up to be an unrestricted free agent in 2023.
Jan 1, 2023
Big bounce back against Bears
Swift rushed 11 times for 78 yards and one touchdown while catching four of four targets for 39 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 41-10 win over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Swift's rollercoaster season continued as his big day comes a week after totaling 25 scoreless yards on five touches in Week 16 against the Panthers. He didn't even need a Jamaal Williams absence to do so, either, considering the latter totaled 157 yards with a touchdown of his own over 23 touches. If No. 3 running back Justin Jackson (hip) -- who's averaged five combined rushing attempts plus targets since Detroit's Week 6 bye -- remains unable to steal touches in Week 18, look for Swift and Williams to again split the vast majority of work out of the backfield in a the regular-season finale in Green Bay.
Dec 30, 2022
Backfield at full health
Swift's teammate Jamaal Williams is not listed on the injury report in advance of Sunday's game against Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Williams missed the final quarter of last week's loss to Carolina with a leg injury and Swift wound up logging his second-highest share of offensive snaps all season. However, Williams may have been held out for precautionary reasons since Detroit was down multiple scores at the time, and he subsequently did not need to miss any practice time this week. While Williams' absence would have positioned Swift as a strong candidate for a heavy role against a weak Bears defense, his presence could mean more of the same for Swift, whose touch count has fluctuated all season.
Dec 25, 2022
Five touches on Christmas Eve
Swift rushed four times for 12 yards while catching one of five targets for 13 yards during Saturday's loss to Carolina.
ANALYSIS
Swift logged his second-highest snap count of the season and still barely got the ball on a day that he stayed healthy while Jamaal Williams (leg) left the game in the third quarter. Making matters worse is that third-string tight end Shane Zylstra vultured three red-zone touchdowns, and Jared Goff fumbled the snap on one of the few remaining opportunities when Swift was on the field near the goal line. Outside of sustaining an injury of his own, this outing couldn't have gone much worse for the slumping running back and his fantasy investors. However, for those investors still in contention, Swift could be a high-upside fantasy option in Week 17 against a porous Bears defense if Williams is unable to play.
Dec 18, 2022
Does little with nine targets
Swift rushed eight times for 52 yards while catching five of nine targets for 23 yards during Sunday's 20-17 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
While Swift was highly efficient with his rushing attempts and logged a season high in targets, the Jets did well in keeping the Lions offense out of their territory for most of the game, making it hard for any Lions running back to sniff the end zone. Moreover, Swift was unable to do much with his lofty target total since New York was quick to bottle him up when Detroit tried getting him the ball. The third-year running back will look to put up bigger numbers in a Week 16 matchup with the Panthers.
Dec 11, 2022
Held in check during win
Swift rushed six times for 21 yards and brought in three of four targets for 18 yards in the Lions' 34-23 win over the Vikings on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift appeared to be firmly on an upward trajectory heading into Sunday's game after tying his season high in touches during a Week 13 blowout win over the Jaguars. However, it was backfield mate Jamaal Williams who comfortably paced the team in carries with 16 on Sunday, and Swift couldn't make up for the shortfall in rushing work through the air. The Lions' backfield once again appears to be a bit of a fantasy quagmire heading into a tough Week 14 road battle versus the Jets.
Dec 8, 2022
Gets back to full participation
Swift (ankle) practiced fully Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift opened the week with a limited showing Wednesday with an ankle issue, but it didn't impact his activity level one day later, effectively clearing him for Week 14 action. The Lions tacked on Jamaal Williams (hand) onto Thursday's injury report, but like Swift he was able to log a full practice. As a result, the Swift-Williams backfield is a go ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Vikings.
Dec 7, 2022
Limited by ankle injury
Swift (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Swift initially was diagnosed with an ankle injury between Weeks 1 and 2, but he ditched that specific health concern as of Week 11 and has increased his snap share each of the last four games, culminating in 18 touches for 111 yards and one rushing TD this past Sunday versus the Jaguars. With a capped session to kick off Week 14 prep, his status now will be monitored to get a sense of his potential to keep things rolling Sunday against the Vikings.
Dec 4, 2022
Records rushing TD in win
Swift rushed 14 times for 62 yards and a touchdown and brought in four of six targets for 49 yards in the Lions' 40-14 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift handled his heaviest workload on the ground since Week 1 and found the end zone for the third time in the last four games in what was his best all-around game of the season. The third-year back's rushing yardage tally was also his second highest of the season, while his receiving yardage was a new high-water mark in 2022. The fact Swift outpaced backfield mate Jamaal Williams by three carries could be harbinger of what the stretch run may hold now that the former is possibly finally back to full health, but more insight should be gleaned from the division of labor in a Week 14 divisional home showdown against the Vikings.
Nov 24, 2022
Totals 43 yards
Swift rushed five times for 19 yards with a two-point conversion while catching four of eight targets for 24 yards during Thursday's 28-25 loss to the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Jamaal Williams continues to get the bulk of the rushing workload, but he also hasn't seen a target in the passing game since Week 8. Meanwhile, Swift has seen at least three targets in every game this year while logging a modest uptick in snaps (32 percent on Thursday) for the fourth consecutive contest. While fantasy managers would still like to see more after he opened the season seeing two-thirds of the offensive snaps, Swift is at least getting some goal-line carries -- including a potential touchdown that was called back Thursday -- and it is possible that Swift's snap share could continue to trend upward the further he distances himself from his shoulder and ankle injuries. His receiving chops could be highly utilized in Week 12 against a Jaguars defense that has been better against the run than the pass this year.
Nov 20, 2022
Another low-usage game with a TD
Swift rushed five times for 20 yards and a touchdown while corralling all three of his targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 31-18 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Swift avoided the injury report for the second week in a row, but he was still limited to single-digit touches. Jamaal Williams (17/64/3) and Justin Jackson (9/66/0) both saw more usage and production than the oft-injured back. Swift was able to maintain fantasy usefulness with a late score from in close during once the game was well in hand. Fantasy managers should be concerned about the lack of touches for the former second-round pick, but he continues to stay afloat with touchdowns in consecutive weeks. Expect Swift to continue to be used as part of a crowded backfield committee against the Bills on Thanksgiving.
Nov 13, 2022
Finds end zone against Bears
Swift carried the ball six times for six yards and a touchdown and caught one of three targets for six yards in Sunday's 31-30 win over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
For the third straight game, Swift failed to top 10 rushing yards, but he salvaged his day from a fantasy perspective with a nine-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter -- his first score on the ground since Week 1. His poor recent performances suggest he's still playing through some sort of injury, making Swift a risky option in Week 11 against the Giants.
Nov 11, 2022
Cleared from injury report
Swift (ankle/shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Chicago, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift will play a third straight game and should get more playing time after taking only 10 snaps (16 percent) in last week's 15-9 win over the Packers. Coach Dan Campbell said Monday that the Lions hoped to give Swift "a little bit more" work this Sunday, while Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports that the running back was frustrated by his lack of playing time last week. Swift was a full practice participant Friday for the first time since Week 1, after being limited Wednesday and Thursday. He'll suit up Sunday against a struggling Bears defense that's been thinned out by trades, splitting work with Jamaal Williams in a backfield that recently lost Craig Reynolds (ribs) to injured reserve.
Nov 10, 2022
Another limited practice
Swift (ankle/shoulder) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift continues to operate with a cap on his practice reps due to lingering ankle and shoulder injuries. He'll have one more opportunity Friday to get back to all activity, at which point the Lions may give him a designation ahead of Sunday's game at Chicago. On Monday, coach Dan Quinn relayed to Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com that the Lions hope to give Swift "a little bit more" work in Week 10. Whether or not Swift will increase his snap share (16 percent) and touch count (five) from this past Sunday versus the Packers remains to be seen, but Jamaal Williams and Justin Jackson are available to Detroit's backfield as long as Swift isn't 100 percent.
Nov 9, 2022
Remains limited at practice
Swift (ankle/shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
After missing three games due to ankle and shoulder injuries, Swift returned to action Week 8 against the Dolphins, earning a 52 percent snap share and 10 touches in the process. He proceeded to have practice limitations last week before being active this past Sunday against the Packers, but he fell all the way back to 16 percent of the plays and just five touches. Coach Dan Campbell relayed to Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com on Monday that Swift didn't incur any setbacks in that game, and that he hopes the team "can give him a little bit more this week." Swift may have to get back to a full session Thursday and/or Friday to have any chance at a normal workload Sunday in Chicago, but Jamaal Williams and Justin Jackson are on hand in the event the former's snap count again is capped this weekend.
Nov 7, 2022
No setbacks
Head coach Dan Campbell indicated Monday that Swift did not suffer any setbacks during Sunday's victory over the Packers, Eric Woodyard of ESPN reports. "We're hopeful we can give him a little bit more this week," Campbell said.
ANALYSIS
After logging over half of the offensive snaps in his return from shoulder and ankle injuries in Week 8 against Miami, Swift logged just 16 percent in Week 9 against Green Bay. While it is not clear why the star running back would see less work if injuries weren't at play, the fact that Swift saw less action than Justin Jackson (21 percent) certainly makes Campbell's comments seem suspicious. Wednesday's initial injury report should provide further clarity to Swift's availability for a Week 10 matchup against the Bears.
Nov 6, 2022
Produces in limited action
Swift (ankle/shoulder) rushed twice for 10 yards and caught three of four targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 15-9 win over the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Swift's role and usage were limited for the second consecutive week due to multiple nagging injuries. Jamaal Williams (24/81/0) handled the majority of the early-down work Sunday, with both backs producing modest fantasy lines in their respective roles. Swift is the back with the higher upside, but injuries have derailed a promising start to his 2022 campaign. The 23-year-old's managers are hoping that he can inch closer to handling a starter's workload after being eased back into action over Detroit's last two contests. Swift's next chance to accomplish that task will come against a struggling Bears defense next Sunday.
Nov 6, 2022
Suiting up in Week 9
Swift (ankle/shoulder) is listed as active Sunday against the Packers.
ANALYSIS
While Swift is healthy enough to play, the Lions are taking a cautious approach with their No. 1 running back as he continues to tend to ankle and shoulder issues. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Swift likely will handle a role similar to his Week 8 workload, when he played 52 percent of the offensive snaps and notched 10 touches for 33 yards from scrimmage and a receiving TD. As a result, Jamaal Williams, who tallied 76 total yards and two rushing scores last Sunday versus the Dolphins, again may be on the better end of Detroit's backfield breakdown for fantasy purposes Week 9.
Nov 6, 2022
Likely to play in limited fashion
Swift (ankle), officially listed as questionable, is expected to play in a limited capacity Sunday against the Dolphins, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift managed limited practices on both Thursday and Friday, which suggests that he is healthy enough to play. However, the Lions has been conservative with their approach to playing Swift, as he was limited to only 52 percent of Detroit's offensive snaps and five carries in its Week 8 loss to the Dolphins. He could in line for a similar -- or even lesser -- role in Week 9, but it appears unlikely that he will serve as anything close to a workhorse back.
Nov 4, 2022
Questionable, on track to play
Swift (ankle/shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift managed limited practices Thursday and Friday after being held out Wednesday, with coach Dan Campbell saying Friday morning that "the plan is to get [Swift] in the game and see where he's at," per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. That's not exactly what fantasy managers want to hear, as it leaves the door wide open for a restricted workload or in-game setback. Swift said earlier this week that he wasn't 100 percent healthy in his return to action last Sunday against the Dolphins, though he did score a touchdown to salvage the day from a fantasy standpoint (with only 33 total yards on 10 touches). Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds will get more work if Swift runs into any issues before/after the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff this Sunday.
Nov 3, 2022
Back in limited fashion
Swift (ankle/shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.
ANALYSIS
After making his first appearance since Week 3 this past Sunday against the Dolphins, Swift unsurprisingly has had practice limitations this week as he continues to tend to ankle and shoulder issues. On Monday, he relayed that he still wasn't 100 percent, per Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com, but Swift was able to follow up Wednesday's DNP with some activity one day later. While he's trending in the right direction, Swift's status will continue to be watched to get a sense of his availability Sunday versus the Packers.
Nov 3, 2022
Back at practice
Swift (ankle/shoulder) was spotted during the open portion of practice Thursday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift didn't practice Wednesday, so his return to the field Thursday, in any capacity, bodes well for his chances of being available for Sunday's game against the Packers. The Lions' upcoming injury report is slated to reveal the running back's official participation level.
Nov 2, 2022
Sits out Wednesday's practice
Swift (ankle/shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Swift was healthy enough to put an end to a three-game absence this past Sunday against the Dolphins, handling a 52 percent snap share on his way to five carries for six yards and five catches (on five targets) for 27 yards. After the game, he told Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com on Monday that he still wasn't 100 percent but was hopeful for more work going forward. Wednesday's absence from practice may have been precautionary, but Swift's status now should be watched closely as the week goes on. He'll have two more chances to mix into drills ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Packers.
Oct 31, 2022
Still not 100 percent
Swift (ankle/shoulder) said Monday that he's still not 100 percent, but he anticipates having a larger role moving forward, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift totaled 18 touches for 175 yards and a touchdown during the season opener but has been limited during his three appearances since. He sat out for a month (three games plus Detroit's Week 6 bye) and returned to action against Miami in Week 8, totaling 10 touches for 33 yards and a score. His much-anticipated return left fantasy managers wanting more, but it's encouraging to see the talented running back make it through the contest without suffering a setback. Despite admitting he's not 100 percent and saying the injuries are still impacting him "a little bit," Swift expressed confidence that his role will continue to grow as he puts the lingering injuries behind him.
Oct 30, 2022
Receiving TD in return
Swift (ankle/shoulder) rushed five times for six yards and secured all five targets for 27 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' 31-27 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift had a minimal role on the ground as his line clearly indicates, but he did partly make up for it with a solid performance through the air that included a seven-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter. The third-year back was at least able to make it through the game without any aggravation of either of his previously nagging injuries, and his catch total was a season high. Swift will hope for more work on the ground when the Lions face off with the Packers in a divisional clash at home in Week 9.
Oct 26, 2022
Logs full practice Wednesday
Swift (ankle/shoulder) was a full practice participant Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Swift wasn't cleared for Week 7 action after putting in three consecutive limited sessions, but with a full practice already under his belt this week, he appears poised for his first appearance since Week 3 this Sunday against the Dolphins. In three contests this season, he averaged a whopping 8.6 YPC on his 27 rushes and also hauled in eight of 12 targets for 77 yards, so he's a must-start in his return.
Oct 23, 2022
Not suiting up in Week 7
Swift (ankle/shoulder) is listed as inactive Sunday at Dallas.
ANALYSIS
Following the Lions' Week 6 bye, Swift attempted to gear up for a return to action by logging three consecutive limited sessions ahead of this contest. Still, it wasn't enough to make himself available to the Lions offense, despite telling Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he was "pushing towards" suiting up Sunday. Swift thus will miss a third game in a row, again yielding backfield reps to Jamaal Williams, with Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson on hand for any reps that linger. His next chance to play arrives next Sunday against the Dolphins.
Oct 22, 2022
Unlikely to face Dallas
Swift (shoulder), officially listed as questionable, is unlikely to play Sunday against the Cowboys, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift missed Detroit's two previous games before the team went into its bye. He practiced in limited fashion throughout the week leading up to a Week 7 matchup against Dallas, though the Lions appear to be inclined to take a cautious approach. Jamaal Williams will likely handle a heavy workload if Swift is ruled out, while Craig Reynolds would be the likely change of pace back.
Oct 21, 2022
Listed as questionable
Swift (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Dallas.
ANALYSIS
Swift missed back-to-back games before a Week 6 bye and still hasn't returned to full practice participation, but he did manage limited sessions Wednesday through Friday, potentially setting up a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Swift said Wednesday that he was "pushing towards" playing, and he could be back Week 8 (against Miami) if not this Sunday. Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds are Detroit's top RBs after Swift, and both could have roles off the bench even if the starter is ready to play.
Oct 20, 2022
Remains limited Thursday
Swift (ankle/shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.
ANALYSIS
On the heels of missing two games before the Lions' Week 6 bye, Swift now has managed back-to-back capped sessions, with one more chance to get back to full this week as he puts ankle and shoulder issues further behind him. Friday's injury report may include a 'Questionable' listing next to his name, but Swift told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday that he's "pushing towards" returning to action Sunday at Dallas. If he's able to do so, Swift may share backfield duties with Jamaal Williams off the bat, with Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson in reserve.
Oct 19, 2022
Officially limited Wednesday
Swift (ankle/shoulder) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Prior to the Lions' Week 6 bye, Swift missed two games due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Thus, his return to practice Wednesday is a step in the right direction, and Swift himself told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he's "pushing towards" playing Sunday at Dallas. Swift's activity level Thursday and Friday will be worth monitoring to get a sense of if active status is possible this weekend. At the moment, Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson are Detroit's healthy members of the backfield.
Oct 19, 2022
Expected to practice
Coach Dan Campbell indicated that Swift (shoulder) should practice in a limited fashion Wednesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Campbell, the running back -- who last suited up in Week 3 -- is "a little bit better" following the Lions' Week 6 bye, with Swift's status for Sunday's game against the Cowboys presumably hinging on how well his shoulder responds to the work he's expected to log at practice as the week progresses.
Oct 7, 2022
Out until Week 7
Swift (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Swift hasn't practiced since injuring his shoulder Week 3, but there's a good chance he'll be ready after Detroit's early bye Week 6. First, Jamaal Williams will get another fill-in start for the Lions, with Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson available off the bench.
Oct 6, 2022
Doesn't practice Thursday
Swift (shoulder/ankle) was a non-participant in practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift's lack of practice activity came as no surprise after Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported earlier Thursday that the Lions are tentatively planning on having the running back sit out a second straight game Sunday at New England before returning to action following a Week 6 bye. Unless Swift takes a big step forward Friday in terms of practice activity, the Lions will likely formally rule him out for the game against the Patriots with the release of their final Week 5 injury report.
Oct 6, 2022
Not likely to play Week 5
Swift (shoulder/ankle) isn't expected to return to action for Sunday's game at New England, but the Lions anticipate he'll be ready to play following the team's Week 6 bye, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Detroit hasn't officially ruled Swift out for Week 5, but his absence from practice Wednesday after missing last week's 48-45 loss to the Seahawks doesn't bode well for his chances of suiting up against the Patriots. The Lions' upcoming bye week should provide Swift with sufficient time to recover from the sprained left shoulder he suffered in the Week 3 loss at Minnesota, as well as the lingering ankle issue that first surfaced Week 2. Barring an unforeseen development, the 23-year-old should be ready to reclaim his usual three-down role with no restrictions Week 7 at Dallas, but expect Jamaal Williams to lead the Detroit backfield for a second straight game in the matchup with New England.
Oct 5, 2022
Not at practice
Swift (shoulder) isn't practicing Wednesday, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
All five of Detroit's starting skill-position players were held out of practice, including three (Swift, Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark) who missed Sunday's shootout loss to Seattle. With a bye coming up in Week 6, it won't be surprising if the Lions err on the side of caution this Sunday in New England, especially after Jamaal Williams scored two more TDs in the Week 4 loss. That said, the Lions haven't ruled out any of the injured players, including Swift.
Sep 30, 2022
Officially ruled out
Swift (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Seattle, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift didn't practice at all this week, and reports suggest he could be held out through the Lions' Week 6 bye. The team hasn't commented on expectations beyond the current week, in which Jamaal Williams will lead the team's backfield against a weak Seattle defense. Craig Reynolds figures to get some carries off the bench, with Justin Jackson potentially have a role as well, but Williams becomes a top-20 play at RB with Swift out of the picture against such a vulnerable defense.
Sep 30, 2022
Not expected for Week 4
Coach Dan Campbell said Friday that Swift (shoulder) is "probably out" for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Jeff Risdon of USA Today LionsWire reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lions haven't yet given Swift an official injury designation for Week 4, but it sounds like Campbell considers the third-year pro 'doubtful' for Sunday's contest against Seattle. That would pave the way for Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds to lead Detroit's backfield while Swift works to potentially return Week 5 at New England. With Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) already ruled out against the Seahawks, the Lions' offense could be without arguably its top two playmakers.
Sep 29, 2022
Sitting for another practice
Swift (shoulder/ankle) isn't practicing Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift's absence from practice for the second day in a row seemingly supports head coach Dan Campbell's assertion Wednesday that the running back isn't trending toward playing in Sunday's game against the Seahawks. The Lions will wait until Friday before providing a designation for Swift, but unless the third-year back is able to get back on the practice field in some capacity, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds will likely head Detroit's Week 4 backfield. Swift, who is managing a sprained left shoulder in addition to an ankle issue, may also be a candidate to sit out through the Lions' Week 6 bye if he doesn't show any meaningful improvement by the time the Lions begin Week 5 prep next Wednesday.
Sep 28, 2022
Not likely to play this week
Swift (shoulder/ankle) won't practice Wednesday, with coach Dan Campbell acknowledging he isn't optimistic about the running back's chances of playing this Sunday against the Seahawks, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift likely will miss out on one of his better matchups of the season, after an ankle injury limited his workload in Week 2 and a shoulder sprain cost him playing time in Week 3. It's already been suggested that he could rest for the next two games and come back after a Week 6 bye, but the Lions aren't quite ready to go that far Wednesday, with Campbell merely suggesting he views the running back as unlikely to play this upcoming Sunday. If Swift does indeed miss the game, Jamaal Williams will get the start and become an attractive fantasy option in most formats, even with Craig Reynolds potentially getting quite a few carries as well.
Sep 26, 2022
May sit out until after Week 6 bye
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that Swift (shoulder/ankle) could possibly benefit by taking the next two weeks off and returning to action following the team's Week 6 bye, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift exploded for 175 yards from scrimmage on 18 touches during Week 1, but he picked up an ankle injury that has limited him in each of the past two games. He also suffered a shoulder injury during Week 3, that may be more serious than the ankle issue, so it sounds like the Lions are entertaining the idea of shutting the dynamic running back down for an extended period to see if they can get him fully healthy for the second half of the campaign.
Sep 26, 2022
May miss time with shoulder sprain
Swift suffered a shoulder sprain during Sunday's 28-24 loss to the Vikings and could miss time, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift's injury isn't expected to require surgery, so he's dodged a worst-case scenario, but his availability for Week 4 versus the Seahawks looks uncertain to say the least. The third-year pro entered Sunday's loss already managing an ankle injury. More clarity on Swift's recovery timetable should arrive as the Lions monitor him throughout the upcoming week, but if he does miss time it would render Jamaal Williams -- who scored twice versus Minnesota -- a high-end fantasy option.
Sep 25, 2022
Suffers apparent shoulder injury
Swift carried the ball seven times for 31 yards in Sunday's 28-24 loss to the Vikings. He added three receptions on four targets for 18 yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift entered the game nursing an ankle injury and reportedly received treatment on his left arm or shoulder after the game, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. That provides a likely explanation as to why Swift saw only 10 total touches as opposed to 22 for Jamal Williams. Now apparently dealing with multiple injuries, Swift's status will be worth monitoring throughout the week leading up to Detroit's Week 4 matchup against Seattle.
Sep 25, 2022
Set for Week 3 action
Swift (ankle) is active for Sunday's game in Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Swift sprained his ankle in the season opener but still earned at least 50 percent of the offensive snaps both Weeks 1 and 2 en route to a combined 25 touches for 262 yards from scrimmage and two TDs. The output has been fueled by an uber-efficient 10 yards per carry and 12.4 yards per catch, and he now will set his sights on the Vikings' 29th-ranked defense (412 yards allowed per game).
Sep 25, 2022
Expected to play vs. Minnesota
Swift (ankle) is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play Sunday against the Vikings, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift played through the same injury last week, handling 51 percent of the offensive snaps but only seven touches in a win over Washington. However, he made the most of his opportunities with 87 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. Coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday that Swift was much healthier than he'd been at the same time the previous week, so the running back seems likely to see an uptick in his workload against Minnesota after being used sparingly in Week 2.
Sep 23, 2022
Listed as questionable again
Swift (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Swift played through the same injury last week, handling 51 percent of offensive snaps but only seven touches in a win over Washington. He made the most of his opportunities with 87 yards and a touchdown, and coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday that Swift was much healthier than he'd been at the same time the previous week. The running back thus seems likely to play Sunday, a notion supported by The Detroit News' Justin Rogers, who relays that each of the four Lions listed as questionable should be able to play this Sunday.
Sep 22, 2022
Officially limited Thursday
Swift (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday.
ANALYSIS
For a second consecutive week, Swift is tending to an ankle injury, but he made his first appearance on the practice field one day earlier this time around, thus backing up coach Dan Campbell's assertion Wednesday that the running back looks "a lot batter than at this time last week." Swift was able to play Week 2 with just one session under his belt, so he could make it two this week, if he mixes into drills Friday. During this past Sunday's win against the Commanders, he turned seven touches into 87 yards from scrimmage and one receiving TD.
Sep 22, 2022
Back at practice
Swift (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift didn't practice Wednesday, but his return to the field Thursday indicates that the running back is trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Vikings. The Lions' looming injury report will clarify Swift's participation level during Thursday's session.
Sep 21, 2022
Held out of practice
Swift (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, though Lions coach Dan Campbell said the running back is "doing a lot better than at this time last week."
ANALYSIS
Campbell presumably expects Swift to play this Sunday in Minnesota, considering he ended up playing Week 2 when the ankle was more of a problem. Swift got only five carries in the 36-27 win over Washington on Sunday, but he made the most of them (56 rushing yards) and also took one of his five targets for a 22-yard touchdown, ultimately playing 51 percent of Detroit's offensive snaps (down from 67 percent in Week 1). His workload could rebound against the Vikings if he continues to feel better than he did last week.
Sep 18, 2022
Totals 87 yards
Swift rushed five times for 56 yards while catching two of five targets for 31 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 36-27 win over Washington.
ANALYSIS
Playing through an ankle sprain, Swift was outpaced in carries by Jamaal Williams by a 12-5 margin and didn't seem to get his usual allotment of snaps. However, he still put together decent fantasy output on the back of two explosive plays, the first being a 50-yard scamper and the other a 22-yard touchdown catch. While it seems likely that Williams will remain heavily involved in the offense given Swift's durability issues, Swift will remain an elite fantasy play most weeks given his ability to produce big plays at a high rate. Up next is a Week 3 road matchup against the Vikings.
Sep 18, 2022
Playing in Week 2
Swift (ankle) is listed as active Sunday against the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
Swift was able to play through an ankle sprain during the Lions' Week 1 loss to the Eagles, turning a 65 percent snap share into 18 touches for 175 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD. He was able to manage only one limited session during Week 2 prep, but that was enough for Detroit to give him the all clear to play Sunday. There's a chance Swift will cede reps to fellow running back Jamaal Williams, but both players will be involved in some capacity this weekend.
Sep 18, 2022
Could see snap count
Swift (ankle) is expected to play Sunday versus Washington but could have his role reduced, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift suffered an ankle sprain Week 1 but appears to be trending in the right direction to suit up Sunday, barring any setbacks. The Lions are prioritizing the star running back's health, though, so Swift could ultimately be limited and yield a greater share of opportunities than normal to Jamaal Williams. Detroit will make Swift's status official 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.
Sep 16, 2022
Status in question for Week 2
Swift (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
Swift gutted out a sprain after rolling his ankle during the Lions' Week 1 loss to the Eagles, racking 175 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD on 18 touches. The issue kept him out of drills both Wednesday and Thursday, but Swift was able to get on the practice field Friday in a limited capacity, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Swift's availability for Week 2 won't be known until about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, but if he's limited or out, he'll yield some or most of the team's running back reps to Jamaal Williams.
Sep 16, 2022
Returns to practice
Swift (ankle) returned to practice Friday, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Even if he's limited, a return to practice after back-to-back absences should give Swift a chance to play Sunday against the Commanders. He looked healthy Week 1 against the Eagles, taking 18 touches for 175 yards and a TD while playing 67 percent of snaps on offense and getting carries/targets deep into the fourth quarter.
Sep 16, 2022
Called questionable
Coach Dan Campbell said Friday that Swift (ankle) is questionable for Week 2, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
Campbell said Swift will do some work at practice Friday, per Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site, after he missed Wednesday and Thursday's sessions. The starting running back managed to play through an ankle sprain Week 1 versus the Eagles and has since downplayed the severity of his injury, but the extent of Swift's activity Friday will likely reveal a fair amount about his chances of playing Week 2. Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson will stand to handle increased work if Swift ends up limited or sidelined.
Sep 15, 2022
DNP again Thursday
Swift (ankle) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Swift played through an ankle sprain this past Sunday against the Eagles, turning 15 carries into 144 yards and one touchdown and hauling in all three targets for 31 yards. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press on Thursday that he didn't know Swift was banged-up Week 1 and didn't change his play calling as a result. Despite that assertion, the Lions have kept Swift on the sideline for both sessions during Week 2 prep, leaving his status up in the air for Sunday's game versus the Commanders. If Swift is limited or out this weekend, Jamaal Williams would be the primary beneficiary out of Detroit's backfield.
Sep 15, 2022
Not seen at practice Thursday
Swift (ankle) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift also sat out Wednesday's session, so what the running back is able to do at practice Friday will be telling with regard to his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Commanders. If Swift is out or limited this weekend, Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson would be candidates for added backfield snaps in Week 2.
Sep 14, 2022
Dealing with ankle injury
Swift missed Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury.
ANALYSIS
During the media-access portion of the Lions' first session of Week 1, Swift wasn't participating, but the reason for his absence wasn't known at the time. He hasn't dealt with ankle issues during his two-plus years in the NFL, but he has logged seven DNPs due to various health concerns to date. There's no telling if Swift's availability for Sunday's game against the Commanders is in jeopardy, but his status bears watching as the week goes on. Jamaal Williams would be the biggest beneficiary if Swift is limited or out this weekend.
Sep 14, 2022
Not practicing
Swift isn't practicing Wednesday, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The running back may have picked up an injury at some point in Sunday's 38-35 loss to the Eagles, though he piled up 175 yards and a TD and was still getting touches late in the fourth quarter. Any limitations for Swift would benefit backfield mate Jamaal Williams, who scored a pair of goal-line TDs in the season opener.
Sep 11, 2022
Totals 175 yards
Swift rushed 15 times for 144 yards with one touchdown while catching three of three targets for 31 yards during Sunday's 38-35 loss to Philadelphia.
ANALYSIS
Swift exploded out of the gate within an offense that now has an improved passing game in addition to its strong offensive line. While his touchdown upside will clearly be capped this season by Jamaal Williams, who saw four of give goal-line snaps while scoring twice, Swift saw all of the snaps on third down and over double the snaps of Williams overall. The result was 175 total yards for Swift, who still averaged over 6.7 yards per carry if you take out his game-high 50-yard scamper. The third-year pro will look to keep rolling in Week 2 at home against a respectable Commanders defense.
Aug 20, 2022
Likely out Saturday
Swift is not expected to suit up in Saturday's preseason contest against the Colts, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Dan Campbell suggested Friday most of the team's key offensive starters would not play so this isn't much of a surprise. Jamaal Williams also appears to be among the group of players not playing Saturday meaning Justin Jackson, Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike should see extended workload as the trio compete for one of the team's final roster spots.
Aug 4, 2022
Feeling good after maintenance day
Swift got the day off Wednesday, seemingly as part of Detroit's plan to keep him healthy throughout the season, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Between his four missed games with a shoulder injury late last season and the presence of two experienced backups (Jamaal Williams, Justin Jackson) on Detroit's roster, there's been talk of Swift's workload being scaled back. Reduced reps in camp may feed into that discussion, but it mostly just seems to be a matter of keeping Swift healthy and fresh. He's unquestioned as Detroit's lead back, though it is fair to question how much work he'll cede to his backups. Last year he played 67 percent of snaps in his 13 active games and averaged 11.6 carries and 4.8 receptions per contest, totaling 1,069 yards and seven TDs. In terms of per-game production, he was RB20 for standard leagues and RB10 for full PPR. The split shouldn't be as wide this year, though it won't be surprising if he continues to be spelled on early downs rather than late downs for the most part. Swift said he's feeling good and expects to return to practice in short order.
Aug 1, 2022
Coach expresses durability concerns
Head coach Dan Campbell expressed concern with Swift holding up under a large workload, Jeff Risdon of USA Today reports. "[Swift]'s got that ability, and so my gosh man, you want those guys out there every play, but ... I would like to see, if we get him out of camp, get his legs under him, get him in really good shape, like I said get the intensity, get the volume under him and then let's see where he looks like," Campbell said.
ANALYSIS
Swift has missed time due to shoulder and groin injuries in both college and the pros, most recently missing part of last summer's training camp with a strained groin before sustaining an AC joint injury in Week 12. This led the third-year running back to play no more than 13 games for a second consecutive season. While optimists can point to reports of Swift having bulked up over the offseason as reason to think his injury luck could improve, his head coach is nonetheless warranted in his concern about putting too heavy of a workload on his 5-foot-9 running back. With Jamaal Williams -- who saw double-digit touches in 11 of 13 games last year -- around for another year, the Lions have a quality veteran option that can help them avoid doing just that.
Jun 1, 2022
Appears bulked up
Swift appears to have added muscle this offseason, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
This report is merely based on visual observations made at recent offseason practices, but any added muscle could probably be considered a positive sign for a 5-foot-9 running back who has missed at least three games in each of his first two professional seasons. While it's not fair to consider Swift "injury prone" this soon, it's possible that his fantasy value could be higher if he had not been slowed down by head and shoulder injuries in back-to-back years. After all, when not counting the games in which Swift was limited by injury in 2021, his 97.5 scrimmage yards per game would have ranked eighth among all running backs.
Jan 9, 2022
Scores once
Swift ran for 30 yards and one touchdown on seven carries and caught four passes for 16 yards on five targets against Green Bay on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Swift again saw a limited workload from scrimmage as Jamaal Williams saw 13 carries and Craig Reynolds took three. Williams produced 43 yards and Reynolds two, reinforcing the fact that Swift is clearly Detroit's best running back from scrimmage. What's less clear is whether Swift's workload was limited because the low stakes of Detroit's final two games, or if the Lions will try to follow a general policy of limiting Swift's workload for durability reasons going forward. Swift is an explosive runner and skilled pass catcher, so his fantasy upside could be enormous with enough of a workload, but going back to his Georgia days Swift hasn't shown the ability to stay healthy as a workhorse back. He finishes his second season with 617 yards (4.1 YPC) and five touchdowns on the ground while catching 62 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns on 78 targets (79.5 percent caught, 5.8 yards per target).
Jan 2, 2022
Minimal activity
Swift ran for 32 yards on four carries and caught two passes for seven yards on three targets against Seattle on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The Lions indicated that Swift was at full strength for this game, so his light usage behind Jamaal Williams (11 carries for 22 yards and one touchdown, three catches for 22 yards on three targets) was surprising if not dubious. Perhaps coach Dan Campbell wanted to limit Swift's exposure to contact in a meaningless game, or perhaps he was making a You Can't Make The Club In The Tub kind of point to Swift, who missed the prior four games with a shoulder injury, but Swift's fantasy investors are entitled to some level of indignation either way. Regardless of whatever secret reason Campbell might have had for Swift's lack of usage Sunday, it's safe to say that the Lions offense did not benefit from Swift's absence. Detroit faces Green Bay in Week 18.
Dec 31, 2021
No designation for Week 17
Swift (shoulder) will make his return to the lineup Sunday in Seattle, as he doesn't carry an injury designation into the contest.
ANALYSIS
Earlier in the season, the Lions regularly listed Swift as questionable heading into game days, even though he often appeared at little risk of actually sitting out. After missing each of the previous four games while recovering from an AC joint sprain in his shoulder, Swift's lack of a designation is somewhat surprising given the previous pattern, but it's perhaps a reflection of the Lions' confidence in his health following a month-long layoff. Swift was a full participant in practice all week, and running backs coach Duce Staley suggested Friday the Lions don't intend to take a conservative approach with him, according to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. Fantasy managers who have been waiting patiently on Swift's return shouldn't count on him approaching the season-high 33 carries he earned Week 10 against Pittsburgh, but he looks like a good bet to at least get double-digit touches.
Dec 29, 2021
Puts in full practice Wednesday
Swift (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Swift appears to be closing in on putting an end to a four-game absence, the result of an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. Coach Dan Quinn even hinted as much Wednesday, telling Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he expects Swift to return Sunday at Seattle. With a full practice under his belt to begin Week 17 prep, Swift is well on his way to doing just that. How the snaps and reps will break down between him, Jamaal Williams and even Craig Reynolds remains to be seen, but in the 10 contests before Swift suffered the injury he averaged 19 touches per game.
Dec 29, 2021
Expected back this week
Swift (shoulder) is expected back for Sunday's game in Seattle, with Lions coach Dan Campbell joking that the running back will be "shut down" after Week 18, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Campbell is poking fun at reports that suggested Swift might be held out for the final few games even if he was healthy enough to play. He may still need to prove it on the practice field this week, but the Lions apparently are optimistic after Swift managed limited practice last Wednesday through Friday (though he didn't end up playing in Sunday's loss to Atlanta). His return for the final two weeks would mean less work for Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds, even if Swift's role isn't quite the same as earlier in the year.
Dec 26, 2021
Missing fourth straight game
Swift (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game at Atlanta.
ANALYSIS
Despite not being ruled out ahead of this contest, Swift will remain sidelined as he continues the later stages of his recovery from an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. That leaves the Lions backfield to Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds. Williams is coming off a two-game absence himself following a bout with COVID-19, which allowed Reynolds to serve as the lead back to the tune of 40 touches for 216 yards from scrimmage. In any case, the pair figure to be the team's key RBs in some way, shape and form.
Dec 24, 2021
Chance to play Week 16
The Lions list Swift (shoulder) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
For the first time since suffering an AC joint sprain of his shoulder in the Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Bears, Swift won't be ruled out ahead of the weekend, as he was prior to each of the Lions' last three games. Swift earned the questionable designation after he was a limited participant in practices Wednesday through Friday, a development that gives him a shot to play Sunday. Even if the Lions clear him to start in advance of the 1 p.m. ET kickoff, Swift could be in store for a lighter workload than he enjoyed in previous weeks, given that he's making his way back from injury in addition to the fact that Craig Reynolds has impressed the past two weeks while serving as Detroit's lead back. Jamaal Williams is also back from a two-game stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list, leaving the Detroit backfield more crowded compared to when Swift first sustained the injury.
Dec 23, 2021
Limited again in practice
Swift (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift wasn't able to increase his activity from Wednesday, but the fact that he was on the practice field in some capacity for the second day in a row is a positive sign following three weeks of no participation at all. Because of Swift's long layoff, the Lions may want to see him turn in a full practice before clearing him for game action, leaving his availability for Sunday's game in Atlanta up in the air at the moment. Whenever he's deemed ready to play, Swift could take on a lighter workload than he previously enjoyed as the 2-11-1 Lions look to preserve him with little on the line over the final three games of the season.
Dec 22, 2021
Limited in return to practice
Swift (shoulder) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
This marks Swift's first on-field work since suffering an AC joint sprain in his shoulder during a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Bears. He'll have two more sessions this week to prove his health before the Lions potentially make a determination on his availability for Sunday's game in Atlanta. If Swift does enough to receive clearance the play, Detroit could have a sudden logjam in the backfield, as Jamaal Williams wrested himself from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday and Craig Reynolds has fared well as the lead running back the past two contests.
Dec 22, 2021
Back at practice Wednesday
Swift (shoulder) returned to practice Wednesday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift was knocked out the Lions' Thanksgiving matchup with he Bears with what eventually was deemed to be an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. He missed the past three games as a result of the injury, and Wednesday's development marked his first notable on-field work since then. It's unclear if Swift will do enough this week to put himself in a position to play Sunday in Atlanta, but he seems as if he at least will be listed as limited on Detroit's first Week 16 practice report.
Dec 20, 2021
Expected to practice this week
Swift (shoulder) is expected to return to practice this week, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Dan Campbell said Monday that Swift is still considered "week-to-week, day-to-day" due to his injury, but the team will likely have him test the issue during practice. Whether he's available for Sunday's game against Atlanta remains to be seen, but he appears to be trending in the right direction. If Swift remains out in Week 16, Jamaal Williams (illness) and Craig Reynolds could see additional playing time.
Dec 17, 2021
Ruled out, no practice
Swift (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Swift still hasn't practiced suffering an AC joint injury and now will miss a third straight game. With Jamaal Williams still on the reserve/COVID-19 list as of Friday afternoon, the Lions may again be left with Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson as backfield options.
Dec 16, 2021
Not in line to practice
Swift (shoulder) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift hasn't gotten back on the field in any capacity since suffering an AC joint sprain of his shoulder in the Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Bears, so at this stage, he looks to be trending toward a third consecutive missed game this weekend against Arizona. Before deciding on Swift's status one way or the other, the Lions will see if he's able to fit in any activity during the team's final practice of the week Friday. With Jamaal Williams (illness) still stuck on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike are left as the Lions' healthy options at running back.
Dec 15, 2021
Not expected to practice Wednesday
Coach Dan Campbell indicated that he doesn't expect Swift (shoulder) to practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
The same applies to tight end T.J. Hockenson (hand), with Campbell noting that the duo will "move around" Wednesday. With that in mind, Swift's status for Sunday's game against the Cardinals is TBD, while fellow running back Jamaal Williams is currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Dec 14, 2021
Could be back Week 15
Coach Dan Campbell said Monday he's "hopeful" Swift (shoulder) will be available for Sunday's matchup against Arizona.
ANALYSIS
Swift said that both Swift and T.J. Hockenson (hand) are "feeling better" Monday. The young running back and tight end are Detroit's most impactful skill-position players, so it would provide a notable boost for Jared Goff to get both back on the field against Arizona's dangerous defense. Meanwhile, Jamaal William (illness) remains on the COVID-19 list to begin Tuesday.
Dec 10, 2021
Ruled out
Swift (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Denver, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
With Swift officially missing back-to-back games and Jamaal Williams landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, it appears the Lions will deploy Jermar Jefferson and Igwebuike in their backfield this Sunday. Swift's next chance to play will be Sun, Dec. 19 when the Lions host NFC frontrunner Arizona.
Dec 10, 2021
Not expected to play Sunday
Coach Dan Campbell said Swift (shoulder) is "unlikely" to play Sunday against the Broncos, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift was unable to practice Wednesday and Thursday as he continues to manage a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, and it appears he'll be sidelined for his second straight game Sunday. If the 2020 second-round pick is unavailable Jamaal Williams is poised for another start in the backfield, with Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson (illness) set to serve as the secondary options.
Dec 9, 2021
Doesn't practice Thursday
Swift (shoulder) didn't practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
With no practice reps to speak of so far this week due to an AC joint sprain, Swift seems destined for a second consecutive absence as the Lions prepare for Sunday's contest at Denver. Jermar Jefferson (illness) joined Swift on the sideline Thursday, leaving Jamaal Williams and Godwin Igwebuike as Detroit's healthy running backs on the active roster. Friday's injury report may clear up the state of his backfield heading into the weekend.
Dec 8, 2021
No practice Wednesday
Swift (shoulder) didn't take part in Wednesday's walkthrough.
ANALYSIS
This comes as no surprise after coach Dan Campbell gave a non-update on Swift earlier Wednesday, telling Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com that the running is "improving" but otherwise doesn't have a timeline for a return. With one absence under Swift's belt and potentially another to come Sunday in Denver, the Lions again may be forced to rely on Jamaal Williams, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson out of the backfield Week 14.
Dec 8, 2021
No update yet on potential return
Coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday that Swift is "improving" through his AC joint sprain, but he wouldn't provide an update on his potential to return, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lions held a walkthrough session to kick off Week 14 prep, but it seems as if Swift wasn't out there with his backfield mates. The second-year running back already has missed one game as a result of the injury, and there's a chance he's poised for another Sunday at Denver if he can't get back on the practice field by Friday. At the moment, Jamaal Williams, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson are the healthy backs on Detroit's active roster.
Dec 3, 2021
Confirmed out for Week 13
Coach Dan Campbell confirmed Swift (shoulder) won't play Sunday against the Vikings, MLive's Benjamin Raven reports.
ANALYSIS
Campbell doesn't expect the Lions to shut Swift down for the season, saying the running back "may be a week away" from returning. Reports from earlier in the week suggested Swift could miss multiple games with an AC joint injury, but the Lions are hoping it'll be just one (or maybe two) week(s). Jamaal Williams figures to get the start and most of the backfield snaps/touches this Sunday, with Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike working in reserve. After that, the Lions head to Denver in Week 14 and host the Cardinals in Week 15.
Dec 3, 2021
Not expected to play Sunday
Coach Dan Campbell said Friday that Swift (shoulder) is "maybe a week away" from retaking the field.
ANALYSIS
It was reported earlier this week that Swift could miss multiple games with an AC join sprain in his shoulder, so it's not a major surprise the team isn't expecting him to play Sunday against the Vikings. The 22-year-old should be officially ruled out later Friday when the Lions release their official injury report. Jamaal Williams is poised to step into the lead role in Detroit's backfield in the meantime, with Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike available as the depth options.
Dec 2, 2021
Sits out another practice
Swift (shoulder) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Detroit hasn't officially ruled Swift out for Sunday's game against the Vikings, but his consecutive absences from practice to begin Week 13 prep seemingly backs up Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com's report from Wednesday suggesting the running back could miss multiple weeks. According to Fowler, Swift is contending with an AC joint sprain of his shoulder, and given the 0-10-1 Lions' status as the only non-contender in a jam-packed NFC playoff picture, the organization could take a cautious approach with its top back. Expect the Lions to formally rule Swift out for Sunday's game following Friday's practice, positioning Jamaal Williams to step into a lead role out of the backfield.
Dec 1, 2021
Could miss multiple games
Swift (shoulder) could miss multiple games, though he wants to return in short order, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This could be a case where team and player don't quite see eye-to-eye, with the winless Lions unlikely to rush one of their few core players back into action before his shoulder heals. Swift hasn't been ruled out, but it does seem more likely than not by the end of the week, with Jamaal Williams then in line for a lead role Sunday against the Broncos. Behind Williams, the Lions have rookie back Jermar Jefferson and 27-year-old journeyman Godwin Igwebuike on the active roster, or Craig Reynolds on the practice squad. Swift isn't practicing Wednesday, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Nov 29, 2021
Week 13 status in doubt
Coach Dan Campbell said Monday that "it's hard to see" Swift (shoulder) playing against the Vikings, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift sustained a shoulder sprain during Thursday's loss to the Bears and was unable to play during the second half. He's still sore Monday, and it appears as though he's on track to miss at least one game due to his injury. While Swift's status will likely come into focus based on his participation in practice this week, Jamaal Williams should take on a starting role if the 22-year-old is ultimately sidelined in Week 13.
Nov 25, 2021
Diagnosed with shoulder sprain
Coach Dan Campbell said Swift suffered a shoulder sprain during Thursday's 16-14 loss to the Bears, Adam Maya of NFL.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift departed early in the second quarter and officially was ruled out at halftime of the contest, finishing Week 12 with a modest six touches for nine yards from scrimmage. Campbell said the Lions will take a "wait and see" approach with Swift's injury, which appears to be an aggravation of the shoulder issue that he picked up during a Week 10 tie at Pittsburgh. With Swift sidelined, Jamaal Williams took 15 carries for 65 yards and hauled in all five targets for 18 yards.
Nov 25, 2021
Won't return to Thursday's contest
Swift (shoulder) will not return to Thursday's game against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
With Swift ruled out for the rest of the contest, Jamaal Williams is now in line to head the Lions' backfield in his absence. Swift will now target a potential return to action in Week 13, when Detroit faces Minnesota on Dec. 5.
Nov 25, 2021
Injures shoulder
Swift was forced out of Sunday's game against the Bears with a shoulder injury.
ANALYSIS
Prior to his exit from the contest, Swift had recorded three carries for zero yards and caught three passes for nine yards. In his absence, Jamaal Williams is next up for the Lions' backfield work versus Chicago.
Nov 21, 2021
Another big effort
Swift recorded 14 carries for 136 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Browns. He added three receptions for zero yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift had only four carries for 11 yards in the first half, though he came alive in the final two quarters. The highlight came on a 57-yard touchdown rush late in the third quarter, though he also added gains of 19, 13 and 12 yards to rack up production. After failing to top 51 yards on the ground in any game heading into a Week 10 matchup against Pittsburgh, Swift has now combined to produce 266 yards and two scores on the ground in two contests since. Even more encouraging is Swift's production compared to Jamaal Williams, who returned from a two-game absence to tally only seven carries for 11 yards.
Nov 19, 2021
Cleared to play
Swift (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Cleveland, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lions are now listing him with a shoulder injury rather than a groin issue, but it shouldn't make much difference as Swift prepares to suit up for a 10th time in 10 games. He does run into a few potential problems this week, with Tim Boyle likely replacing Jared Goff (oblique) at quarterback and Jamaal Williams (questionable - thigh) potentially rejoining the Detroit backfield after a two-game absence. That said, Swift was getting far more work than Williams even before the veteran was injured, and regardless of the mess around him Swift has been one of the more consistent RBs for fantasy production this year.
Nov 18, 2021
Remains limited in practice
Swift (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Though Swift's shoulder injury has now capped his reps in consecutive practices, the Lions haven't hinted that the issue will prevent the running back from suiting up Sunday in Cleveland. Swift took advantage of No. 2 back Jamaal Williams' (thigh) absence in last week's 16-16 tie with the Steelers to handle a season-high 36 touches (33 carries, three receptions) on a season-high 93 percent snap share, but look for Swift to take a step back in both areas Week 11 in Cleveland. Like Swift, Williams practiced on a limited basis for the second day in a row Thursday and appears to be on a path to play against the Browns.
Nov 17, 2021
Dealing with sore shoulder
Swift (shoulder) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
The Lions listed Swift with groin injury Weeks 1-8, finally removing him from the practice report after a Week 9 bye. He's now back on the list with a new injury, which shouldn't be too surprising after he took 36 touches in Sunday's 16-16 tie with the Steelers. It is possible Swift has more competition for snaps/touches this Sunday in Cleveland, with backfield mate Jamaal Williams (thigh) returning to practice Wednesday as a limited participant.
Nov 14, 2021
Massive workload against Pittsburgh
Swift recorded 33 carries for 130 yards in Sunday's 16-16 tie with Pittsburgh. He added three receptions for five yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift benefited from the absence of Jamaal Williams (thigh), a close score and overtime to top 20 rushing attempts in a game for the first time in his career. He didn't find a tremendous amount of room to roam, as he averaged only 3.9 yards per carry despite ripping off three gains of 15 or more yards. The only other downside to his performance was his ineffectiveness as a receiver. Even so, heading into a Week 11 matchup at Cleveland, Swift has now topped 100 total yards on five occasions for the campaign.
Nov 12, 2021
To be without Williams again
Swift will receive most of the reps out of the Lions backfield Sunday in Pittsburgh with Jamaal Williams (groin) still sidelined, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
In the Lions' last game Week 8 against the Eagles, Swift also was Detroit's lead runner, playing 44 of 62 offensive snaps and turning 17 touches into 51 yards from scrimmage. Meanwhile, reserve running backs Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike combined for 22 plays, 12 touches, 87 total yards and one rushing TD (Jefferson). Swift's 71 percent snap share was in line with his work from the previous four games, so he should be good for a majority of the RB reps yet again Sunday.
Oct 31, 2021
Held in check
Swift carried 12 times for 27 yards while fumbling once and securing five of five targets for 24 yards during Sunday's 44-6 loss to Philadelphia.
ANALYSIS
With Jamaal Williams (groin) sidelined, Swift commanded over 90 percent of the snaps at running back until Detroit finally gave up in the fourth quarter. Despite the massive workload, Swift was unable to overcome the general deficiencies of a Lions offense that didn't put up any points until backup running back Jermar Jefferson found the end zone in the final minutes of regulation. It didn't help that, earlier in the game, Swift lost a fumble that was ultimately returned by the Eagles for a touchdown. However, even if Williams manages to return to the field next week, there's no questioning the fact that Swift is the focal point of the offense. The running back should have a solid chance at a rebound performance against Pittsburgh in Week 9.
Oct 31, 2021
Suiting up Week 8
Swift (groin) is listed as active Sunday against the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Swift has had limitations in practice due to a groin injury each week this season, but he's been able to suit up on game days. He could earn an even bigger workload than normal with Jamaal Williams (thigh) a surprise inactive Week 8. Through seven games, Swift has earned 17.1 touches per game, but with just Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson to contend with for snaps, Swift could be in line for a career-best touch count (he's had 21 three different times).
Oct 29, 2021
Listed as questionable
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
It's the same deal as every previous week this season, with Swift a limited participant and listed as questionable due to a groin injury. He's handled at least 12 touches and 56 percent of snaps in each game nonetheless, including three straight weeks with at least 17 touches and 74 percent share. Swift should be fine for his usual workload Sunday afternoon against the Eagles.
Oct 28, 2021
Stays limited Thursday
Swift (groin) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift leads all running backs league wide with 391 receiving yards, which is well ahead of the next two in the rankings (Cordarrelle Patterson with 296, J.D. McKissic at 249). The development is the result of a Lions skill-position group bereft of talent and beset by injuries, and Swift has generated 653 yards from scrimmage and five TDs overall in seven appearances this season. He's done it all despite a groin injury that's lingered since early August, but his status still should be monitored to ensure he's out there Sunday against the Eagles.
Oct 27, 2021
Another limited practice
Swift (groin) was a limited at Wednesday's walkthrough.
ANALYSIS
Per usual, the Lions continue to manage Swift's groin injury, which he's been dealing with since early August and resulted in questionable status for each of the first seven games of the season. He has yet to miss any action, though, and even has logged at least 72 percent of the offensive snaps in four straight contests, a stretch in which he's accumulated 68 touches for 364 yards from scrimmage and three TDs. In the same time span, backup RB Jamaal Williams has a 49-197-0 stat line, respectively. Clearly, Swift is the lead back in Detroit's offense, and in a receiving corps without much firepower outside of tight end T.J. Hockenson (ankle/knee), the former is weekly lock to be in lineups.
Oct 24, 2021
Strong effort through air Sunday
Swift (groin) ran for 48 yards on 13 carries against the Rams on Sunday, adding eight receptions on 10 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown.
ANALYSIS
The Lions made the game closer than expected in the 28-19 loss, largely because of Swift's excellent output as a receiver. Swift's workload as a runner might always be limited and perhaps durability isn't his strong suit, but he's shown multiple times this year that he can provide standout fantasy production even while sharing the rushing workload with fellow running back Jamaal Williams, who ran for 57 yards on 12 carries against the Rams. It would be helpful if Jared Goff could be more productive, but in the meantime Swift has shown the ability to produce even if Detroit is subjected to poor quarterback play. The formula should stay mostly the same for Detroit as they take on Philadelphia in Week 8.
Oct 24, 2021
Suiting up Week 7
Swift (groin) is active for Sunday's road game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Per usual, Swift entered the weekend with a cloud hanging over his availability. And again, he got the all clear to play through a groin injury. Swift hasn't been incredibly efficient on the ground, averaging just 3.3 yards on his 65 carries, but he's supplemented his line with 34 catches (on 42 targets) for 295 yards and four total TDs. He'll look to keep it up against a Rams defense that has allowed 127.3 yards from scrimmage per game to running backs this season, though Jamaal Williams may continue to be an impediment to Swift reaching RB1 status.
Oct 22, 2021
Listed as questionable, again
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.
ANALYSIS
It's the seventh time in seven weeks he's been listed as questionable, despite playing well over half the offensive snaps in each of Detroit's contest. Swift and Jamaal Williams get a tough matchup with Aaron Donald and the Rams this weekend.
Oct 21, 2021
Remains limited participant
Swift (groin) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift may end up being listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams if he doesn't practice fully Friday, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about his availability for the Week 7 matchup. While being listed as questionable with the same injury ahead of each of the past three contests, Swift has played no fewer than 72 percent of the offensive snaps in any game while averaging 15.7 touches.
Oct 20, 2021
Limited by groin again
Swift (groin) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
The groin injury that first cropped up in training camp has continued to affect Swift's practice reps, but the issue hasn't prevented him from playing and seemingly hasn't affected his usage. He's played more than 70 percent of the Lions' offensive snaps in each of the last three weeks, averaging 15.7 touches per game over that stretch.
Oct 17, 2021
Salvages day with late TD
Swift carried 13 times for 24 yards and one touchdown while catching five of seven targets for 43 yards during Sunday's 34-11 loss to the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Swift was bottled up for the majority of the game before salvaging his fantasy performance with a number of receptions and a rushing score at the tail end of the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams saw a season-low five touches, but it's not clear if his reduced workload was at least partly a product of the hip injury Williams appeared on the injury report with this past week. Regardless, Swift has now seen 17.8 combined targets and carries per game through the first six weeks of the season and his usage only stands to benefit from any limitations Williams has going forward.
Oct 17, 2021
Suiting up again Sunday
Swift (groin) is listed as active Sunday against the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Swift has been a regular on Lions injury reports this season, only to suit up every game day. He's been on the receiving end of at least 12 touches in each outing and averaged 88.4 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring three TDs in five contests to date. Jamaal Williams, Swift's backfield mate, also entered the weekend as questionable but is available Sunday, so he'll continue to eat into the Swift's workload (Williams is averaging 14 touches per game himself).
Oct 17, 2021
Looks good to go for Sunday
Swift (groin), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lions have regularly been listing Swift as questionable for games after he sustained a groin injury in early August, but his availability for any week has never seemed to be in major peril. The second-year back's usage of late would seemingly hint that the Lions are becoming increasingly comfortable with his health; after playing between 55 and 68 percent of the offensive snaps through the first three weeks, he's logged 72 and 73 percent snap shares in Weeks 4 and 5, respectively.
Oct 15, 2021
Listed as questionable, per usual
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
He's been listed as questionable every week and has been a limited participant in each official practice. It is possible the groin injury is a factor in Jamaal Williams getting so many carries, but Swift has remained productive nonetheless, with single-game lows of eight carries, five targets and 56 percent snap share. He should be busy again this Sunday, facing a Cincinnati defense that appears much improved from last season.
Oct 14, 2021
Maintains limited practice activity
Swift (groin) remained a limited practice participant Thursday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The groin injury has been affecting Swift's practice reps all season, but after he played in each of the previous five games, there's little reason to worry about him sitting out Sunday against the Bengals. He's kicked off Week 6 prep with a pair of limited practices, and so long as he can maintain that level of activity or upgrade to full work Friday, he should be ready to handle his normal lead role out of the backfield this weekend.
Oct 13, 2021
Limited at practice
Swift (groin) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift's limited participation due to a groin injury has become a foregone conclusion, and he's nonetheless seen eight or more carries and five or more targets on at least 56 percent of snaps each week this season. He should be fine for Sunday's game against the Bengals, who rank 13th in YPC allowed (4.1) and 10th in rushing yards allowed (101.4 per game), though they've also yielded the second most receptions to RBs (41, but at a clip of just 6.1 YPR and 4.9 YPT).
Oct 10, 2021
Playing Sunday
Swift (groin) is listed as active Sunday at Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Swift's preseason groin issue continues to linger, resulting in questionable tags for each of the last four contests. Despite the limitations in practice, however, he's averaged 15 touches for 78 yards from scrimmage while scoring one touchdown during that stretch. Fellow running back Jamaal Williams (hip) also tended to an injury this week, and while he's been cleared to play, he's taken a back seat to Swift in both snap count and reps during the recent three-game span (12.7 touches for 56.7 total yards per outing, one TD).
Oct 10, 2021
Expected to be active Week 5
Swift (groin), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, is expected to be active for the contest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift has previously been labeled as questionable ahead of each of the Lions' last three contests, but he's played each time, averaging 10 carries and six targets in those games while totaling 234 yards from scrimmage and scoring a touchdown. No. 2 back Jamaal Williams (hip) is also listed as questionable but expected to play, so Detroit should be able to divvy up the backfield work between him and Swift in relatively typical fashion Sunday.
Oct 8, 2021
Listed as questionable again
Swift (groin) and Jamaal Williams (hip) both are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Minnesota, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift has been playing through 'questionable' tags all year, while Williams was a new addition to the injury report at the beginning of the week. Both seem likely to play, whereas RT Penei Sewell (ankle) and TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) seem closer to truly questionable. Even so, fantasy managers should check back in Sunday morning ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff to make sure Swift is indeed active for a fifth time in five weeks.
Oct 7, 2021
Remains limited by groin
Swift (groin) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Swift's lingering groin injury has prompted the Lions to restrict his practice reps for much of the season, but head coach Dan Campbell hasn't expressed any concern about the second-year back's availability for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Swift will still likely need to upgrade to full participation in Friday's practice to avoid taking a questionable designation into the weekend, however.
Oct 6, 2021
Still has minor groin injury
Swift (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
The same goes for fellow running back Jamaal Williams, who is listed with a hip injury. Swift has seen at least 56 percent of snaps and 12 touches in every game this season, despite being listed with the groin injury each week. He'll head to Minnesota for a road date with the Vikings in Week 5, looking to rebound from a season-worst outing in the Week 4 loss at Chicago.
Oct 3, 2021
12 touches in loss
Swift rushed eight times for 16 yards and caught four of six targets for 33 yards during Sunday's 24-14 loss to Chicago.
ANALYSIS
After a week of Detroit's head coach talking up Swift's expanding role, the running back matched his season-low touch total from Week 2 while Jamaal Williams logged a season-high 14 carries. It's a disappointing short-term development for fantasy owners, but they shouldn't dismiss that Swift tripled Williams in targets and could have had an easy receiving touchdown at one point had Jared Goff looked his way. With the Lions' defense unlikely to contain the Vikings offense in Week 5, Swift's receiving skills could be needed early and often by Detroit.
Oct 3, 2021
Cleared for Week 4
Swift (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
As expected, Swift is good to go for the Week 4 matchup after the groin injury limited his participation in practices Wednesday through Friday. The Lions haven't suggested that Swift will face any restrictions as a result of the issue, but the second-year player has already been operating as the lead option in a timeshare at running back with Jamaal Williams. Swift has played 62.5 percent of Detroit's offense snaps and has drawn a carry or target on 42.4 percent of those plays, while Williams has logged a 40.5 percent snap share while garnering a touch on 49.4 percent of those plays.
Oct 3, 2021
On track to play Week 4
Swift (groin), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears, is expected to play, Josina Anderson of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift took a designation into the weekend after his groin injury limited his activity in practices Wednesday through Friday. The Lions were apparently encouraged enough by how Swift looked Friday to prepare as though he'll suit up Week 4, but his status won't officially be confirmed until Detroit releases its inactive list approximately 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Though he's seen his snap share drop in each successive week and hasn't topped 70 percent of the offensive plays in any of the Lions' three games, Swift has been one of the NFL's most productive pass-catching backs thus far with 19 receptions for 166 yards and a score on 23 targets.
Oct 1, 2021
Questionable for Week 4
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Swift is yet again entering the weekend with a fog hanging over his availability, but he still suited up in each of the Lions' first three games of the season. In those contests, he racked up 52 touches for 289 yards from scrimmage and two TDs, while backup Jamaal Williams regularly was involved as well, turning 41 touches into 214 total yards and two scores himself.
Sep 30, 2021
Reps capped at practice
The Lions listed Swift (groin) as a limited participant at Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
The Lions limited Swift's reps for the second day in a row, but head coach Dan Campbell hasn't suggested that the second-year back is in any danger of missing Sunday's game in Chicago. In fact, Campbell suggested earlier this week in an interview with Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke of The Athletic that Swift could be in line for an increased role moving forward, after the 22-year-old thrived as a playmaker in the second half of last week's loss to the Ravens. The Lions will decide after Friday's practice whether Swift will carry an injury designation into Sunday's matchup.
Sep 29, 2021
Limited practice Wednesday
Swift (groin) was limited at Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
For the fourth week in a row to begin the season, Swift has had his practice reps capped in the first session due to the groin injury he picked up in early August. Still, there's an expectation from the Lions that he's ready to handle a larger workload, as coach Dan Campbell intimated earlier this week. Campbell acknowledged to Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke of The Athletic on Monday that Swift "started getting the ball in his hands and started making some plays" this past Sunday against the Ravens. Ultimately, Swift got a season-high 21 touches and 107 yards from scrimmage, while scoring his second touchdown of the campaign.
Sep 28, 2021
Workload could increase
Swift's workload could increase now that he is fully healthy, Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke of The Athletic report. "I think you see the hot hand, right?" head coach Dan Campbell said. "[Swift] started getting the ball in his hands and started making some plays. I would imagine [the offensive coordinator] upstairs was saying, 'Let's keep getting him the ball.' And I was conscious of it as well."
ANALYSIS
Fully past the groin injury that hampered him during the end of the preseason, Swift averaged 6.5 yards per touch in the first half of Sunday's game against Baltimore. Detroit made a concerted effort to get him the ball more coming out of the break and the end result was 15 more touches en route to 107 total yards and his second touchdown of the year. More importantly for Campbell, the strategy nearly helped the Lions pull off the upset over the heavily favored Ravens. While it's no question that Jamaal Williams is a capable sidekick, Detroit's offense has been at its best with Swift in the backfield and it seems as if the Lions coaching staff is taking notice.
Sep 26, 2021
Over 100 scrimmage yards with a TD
Swift (groin) rushed 14 times for 47 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Ravens. He also caught all seven of his targets for 60 yards and threw an incomplete pass.
ANALYSIS
Swift's two-yard touchdown run in the third accounted for all of Detroit's points through three quarters. He almost added another touchdown in the fourth quarter after catching the ball in the flat, but he was ruled just short of the end zone after turning upfield. Jamaal Williams ended up capping that drive with a one-yard score after Swift came up short again on the next play. Swift has 19 catches through three weeks and more receiving yards (166) than rushing yards (123), as he's become the focal point of a Lions offense that doesn't get much production out of its wide receivers. The 2020 second-round pick should remain busy in Week 4 against the Bears.
Sep 26, 2021
Active to face Ravens
Swift (groin) is active for Sunday's game against Baltimore, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift has been listed with the same injury all season, though this is the first time he's failed to log a full practice to close out the week (he was limited Wednesday through Friday). Swift has handled 19 carries and 16 targets on 66.4 percent snap share through two weeks, and he'll now take aim at a Baltimore defense that's missing three of its top four defensive linemen plus starting OLB Justin Houston.
Sep 24, 2021
Questionable for Week 3
Swift (groin) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Prior to the Lions' Week 2 loss at Green Bay, Swift followed an LP/LP/FP practice plan and was listed as questionable before suiting up and playing 63 percent of the offensive snaps. By game's end, he turned 12 touches into 78 yards from scrimmage, while No. 2 RB Jamaal Williams earned 39 percent of those plays and had 10 touches for 37 total yards. Swift was on a similar maintenance plan this week, logging limited sessions Wednesday through Friday. Assuming he's out there again Sunday, Swift should outpace Williams in terms of both snaps and touches.
Sep 23, 2021
Logs limited practice Thursday
Swift (groin) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.
ANALYSIS
After holding a walkthrough Wednesday, the Lions were back to a regular practice session Thursday, but Swift had a cap on his reps in both of them. The team appears to be exercising caution with the groin issue that stems from early August, but he still suited up in Weeks 1 and 2 on his way to 31 touches for 181 total yards and one touchdown. As for Swift's position mate, Jamaal Williams has been productive himself, with a 27-147-1 stat line, respectively.
Sep 22, 2021
Limited at walkthrough
Swift (groin) was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough.
ANALYSIS
Less than two days removed from Monday's loss at Green Bay, the Lions merely estimated activity levels for their injured players. Swift remains listed with the injury that's plagued him since early August, but it hasn't stopped him from logging better than a 60-percent share of the offensive snaps in both of the team's first two games of the season. The result has been 31 touches for 182 yards from scrimmage and one TD for Swift, while fellow RB Jamaal Williams has gone for 27-147-1, respectively. Swift will look to ditch his injury designation by week's end, but the potential exists for it to follow him into the weekend, as it did both Weeks 1 and 2.
Sep 20, 2021
Salvages production late
Swift rushed eight times for 37 yards and caught four of five targets for 41 yards in Monday night's 35-17 loss to the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Swift rotated snaps with Jamaal Williams in the first half, but then both tailbacks suffered from Detroit not having many offensive plays in the second. Fortunately, though, Swift was able to salvage some value in garbage time, hauling in three passes on the Lions' last drive. Given his promising dual-threat skill set, Swift could benefit from similar situations throughout the campaign, as was the case in Week 1 and could arise once again in a tough matchup versus the Ravens in Week 3.
Sep 20, 2021
Suiting up, as expected
Swift (groin) is active for Monday's game at Green Bay.
ANALYSIS
In the aftermath of Week 1, Swift's practice reps were capped by a groin injury, and despite getting back to a full practice Saturday he still was considered questionable to play Monday. Coach Dan Campbell said Swift was fine, though, and indeed the running back is available alongside Jamaal Williams (chest). If the season opener was any indication, Swift will log about twice as many snaps on offense as Williams, which amounted to 19 touches for 104 yards and one TD for the former against the 49ers (versus 17-110-1, respectively, for the latter).
Sep 18, 2021
Questionable tag, likely available
Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Packers, but Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports the running back will be available for the prime-time matchup.
ANALYSIS
Swift logged a full practice Saturday after being limited all week, confirming coach Dan Campbell's optimism regarding his injury status. Top backup Jamaal Williams also saw his injury status removed after being limited in practice all week with a chest injury meaning arguably two of the team's top playmakers will be available for Monday's divisional clash. That's important considering top wideout Tyrell Williams (concussion) will not play, and nominal No. 2 option Kalif Raymond also popped up on Saturday's injury report with a thigh injury.
Sep 17, 2021
Another limited practice
Swift (groin) practiced in a limited capacity Friday.
ANALYSIS
The Lions appear to be using a maintenance plan with Swift after he dealt with a groin issue during training camp and the preseason, and proceeded to play 68 percent of the offensive snaps Week 1 against the 49ers. Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams also has been limited in practice this week after logging 35 percent of the offensive plays this past Sunday. Swift earned 19 touches to Williams' 17 in that contest, and assuming both are available Monday in Green Bay, a similar breakdown of work may come to pass, even if Williams again gets the starting nod.
Sep 16, 2021
Logs limited practice
Swift (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Swift was sidelined for the entire preseason slate due to a groin injury, and there was some question whether he'd be able to handle a full workload Week 1 against the 49ers with veteran back Jamaal Williams on hand. Swift nearly doubled Williams' snap count on offense (63 versus 32) while the pair put up similar stat lines (Swift had 19 touches for 104 total yards and one TD; Williams had 17-110-1, respectively). Now, both backs are limited in practice, with Williams dealing with a chest injury. The Lions don't play until Monday night in Green Bay, so both Swift and Williams have a bit more time than normal to prepare for game day.
Sep 13, 2021
Served as top back in Week 1
Swift was on the field for 63 of the Lions' 92 offensive snaps in Sunday's Week 1 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Swift was listed as the team's second running back on the depth chart behind Jamaal Williams heading into the matchup. However, that's not how things played out on the field, as Swift out-snapped Williams 63-32 and out-touched him 19-17. That said, both backs served a significant role in the offense, though Swift could be set to pace the backfield again in Week 2 against Green Bay.
Sep 12, 2021
11 carries in Week 1
Swift logged 11 carries for 39 yards and hauled in eight of his team-high 11 targets for 65 yards and a TD in Sunday's 41-33 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams -- who was announced as the Lions' starting RB for Sunday's game -- recorded nine carries for 54 yards and a TD and caught eight of his nine targets for 56 yards. It remains to be seen which back is tabbed as the starter next Monday against Green Bay, and if the team was inclined to ease Swift into the mix in Week 1 given that he's bouncing back from a groin injury, but for now anyway, there's a time-share in play. At least in Detroit's opener, however, both players were involved enough to help those who rolled with them in fantasy lineups.
Sep 12, 2021
Williams announced as Sunday starter
Jamaal Williams was announced as the Lions' starting running back over Swift Sunday against the 49ers, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It remains to be seen how this plays out, but the resulting box score/snaps counts will be worth monitoring to see how the Lions' RB backfield workload shakes out in Week 1. Swift is not among Detroit 's inactives Sunday.
Sep 7, 2021
Cleared for Week 1
Head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that Swift (groin) will be ready to for the Lions' Week 1 matchup Sunday versus the 49ers, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift's groin injury limited his activity in training camp and the preseason, but the Lions never seemed concerned he was at risk of missing the start of the season. Rather than proving that he's healthy, the second-year back's focus in practice this week will likely be working to regain conditioning and getting in as many reps as he can to ensure he's in top form for the Week 1 matchup versus what projects to be a tough 49ers defense. Campbell has said that he envisions offseason pickup Jamaal Williams having an important role in the season opener, but Swift is still expected to lead the backfield in snaps and touches if he's active Sunday.
Aug 24, 2021
Not in game shape yet
Coach Dan Campbell revealed Tuesday that he's concerned about Swift's conditioning and readiness for Week 1 as he works his way back from a groin injury, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
It sounds like the concern is about workload/endurance more so than availability, but the latter could also come into question if Swift doesn't respond well on the practice field. To that end, he's scheduled for a rigorous practice Tuesday, perhaps getting a chance to ease some of Campbell's doubts. The second-year pro practiced Monday, with Chris Burke of The Athletic reporting afterward that Swift appeared on track for Week 1 against San Francisco.
Aug 23, 2021
Moving well Monday
Swift (groin) seemed to be moving well during Monday's practice and he is on track to be ready for Week 1, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lions had a light practice Monday and Swift reportedly caught a few passes during 1-on-1 drills. While the running back probably won't see any preseason snaps for the third week in a row when Detroit takes on Indianapolis on Friday, there doesn't seem to be any concern over Swift's availability for Week 1.
Aug 19, 2021
Out this Saturday
Swift (groin) will get some reps in team drills Thursday, but he's ruled out for Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift previously was expected to resume practicing Tuesday, which might've given him a chance to be cleared for the game this weekend. In any case, he could make an appearance in the final week of the preseason, or the Lions could wait until Week 1 to unleash their lead back. It's still unclear how much work Swift will lose to offseason addition Jamaal Williams, who took all the first-team reps in the exhibition opener. Swift has been dealing with a groin injury since the first week of August.
Aug 18, 2021
Expected to practice Thursday
Head coach Dan Campbell said Swift (groin) is expected to return to practice Thursday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN reports. "[Swift] is trending the right way," Campbell said.
ANALYSIS
Previous reports stated that Swift was expected to return to practice Tuesday, but that never came to fruition. Even if Swift does make it back on the field Thursday, there's no guarantee that he will make his preseason debut Saturday against the Steelers.
Aug 16, 2021
Closing in on return to practice
Swift (groin) is scheduled to return to practice Tuesday as a limited participant, Adam Hoge of NBC Sports Chicago reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift isn't likely to be ready for Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh but could make it back for the exhibition finale against Indianapolis on Aug. 27. With Swift out of the lineup, Jamaal Williams dominated first-team snaps in Detroit's 16-15 loss to the Bills on Friday.
Aug 13, 2021
Health explained by Campbell
Coach Dan Campbell said the Lions are taking a "conservative" approach with Swift's groin injury, which is the reason he didn't suit up for Friday's preseason loss to the Bills, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Campbell added Swift was healthy enough to play if Detroit needed him, but his health concern has lingered, hence the stated approach with his return. Plus, it's exhibition season, so it's no surprise the running back was kept on the sideline. In Swift's stead, Jamaal Williams got the start and mustered just 15 yards on nine carries.
Aug 13, 2021
Sits out preseason opener
Swift (groin) didn't play in Friday's preseason opener against the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Jamaal Williams got the start at running back but managed only 15 yards on nine carries. Swift's the much more explosive option in Detroit's backfield and should get the majority of touches over Williams once healthy, especially if Williams continues to struggle. The 2020 second-round pick's next opportunity to see game action will come in Week 2 of preseason against the Steelers.
Aug 9, 2021
Still limited at practice
Swift (groin) has missed "significant practice time" recently, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift has been limited since he left Wednesday's practice due to groin tightness. While the 2020 second-rounder has suited up nearly every day, he hasn't been able to participate in seven-on-seven or 11-on-11 drills much. The Lions haven't yet announced whether Swift will be available for Friday's preseason game against Buffalo, but any limitations would presumably lead to increased work with the first-team offense for Jamaal Williams.
Aug 5, 2021
Limited at practice
Swift's practice reps have been limited of late by a tight groin, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "He's bound pretty tight and he runs hot, so we're trying to get him (good work) and then back him down," coach Dan Campbell said of the running back.
ANALYSIS
At this point, Swift's issue appears to be a minor one that the team is simply managing, with his Week 1 availability not a concern at this time. Swift currently heads the Detroit backfield depth chart, followed by Jamaal Williams and Jermar Jefferson, with Dedrick Mills and Michael Warren also in the mix.
Aug 4, 2021
Leaves practice early
Swift (undisclosed) departed Wednesday's practice early, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear what exactly Swift may be dealing with, but Birkett noted he's had a "lighter workload" than fellow Lions running backs in recent sessions, so an injury could be holding him back. Having said that, Swift jogged to the locker room "under his own power" without a member of the training staff. If Swift misses any time in the coming days, Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson and Dedrick Mills, among others, will receive a corresponding boost in practice reps.
Jul 22, 2021
Heavy workload incoming
Assistant head coach Duce Staley made it sound like Swift's role could significantly grow in 2021, suggesting that the "star" and "three-down back" could have 25 touches per game, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Staley's comments are clearly an exaggeration considering no running back reached 25 touches per game in 2020. The only one who came close to reaching that feat, Derrick Henry, wasn't sharing time with another running back like Swift probably will be with Jamaal Williams, who was guaranteed over $3 million by Detroit in free agency this spring. However, given how many high-value touches Swift is expected to see in the passing game and around the goal line this year, the second-year pro probably won't need to see Henry-level usage to pay off his rising third-round ADP. After all, someone like Alvin Kamara -- who Swift is regularly compared to -- became a fantasy stalwart without ever topping 18.4 touches per game in any one season.
May 21, 2021
Finds complement in Williams
Swift is expected to share a large portion of the workload with recent signee Jamaal Williams according to offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lions emphasized adding depth at running back this offseason, signing Williams via free agency and drafting Jermar Jefferson in the seventh round. At least in the case of the former, Lynn seemed to suggest Williams could even work in tandem with Swift saying, "I don't see them as being interchangeable, I see them more as being complementary. Swift is more of a speed-space back; Jamaal can be more of a between-the-tackles and sometimes perimeter." Adrian Peterson, who was not re-signed in the offseason, nearly doubled Swift's red-zone carries last year so it's possible Williams could immediately fill that void. That being said, Swift never really saw consistent playing time until Week 6 and also missed three games due to injuries later in the season, so a bump in playing time is almost guaranteed. How Lynn's comments impact the backfield opportunities remains to be seen, but it's at least worth noting given Swift's rightfully high fantasy outlook entering the 2021-2022 campaign.
Feb 10, 2021
Could get new backfield partner?
Despite referring to Swift as a three-down back, Lions OC Anthony Lynn said he wants to find "someone else to go with him," Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
A 2020 second-round pick, Swift showed the three-down ability as a rookie, averaging 4.6 YPC and 6.3 YPT while scoring 10 TDs on 160 touches. He should be locked in as Detroit's lead back under a new coaching staff, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll elevate to a 20-touch-per-week, RB1-type workload. Lynn typically split snaps and touches between two or three backs in Los Angeles, where his teams regularly ranked near the top of the league in percentage of targets (and fantasy points) going to RBs. Granted, Lynn's teams sometimes had both Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler available out of the backfield, while Detroit's situation behind Swift appears questionable. The comments from Lynn on Wednesday suggest he isn't too excited about Adrian Peterson (an impending free agent) or Kerryon Johnson (one year left on his rookie contract).
Jan 3, 2021
Scores in season finale
Swift rushed 12 times for 54 yards and one touchdown while securing three of three targets for 16 yards during Sunday's 37-35 loss to Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
While he ceded a good chunk of the work in the ground game to Adrian Peterson, Swift again drew the start and ultimately paced the backfield in touches for the eighth time in his last eight games. After starting the season slow as a depth option behind Peterson, the rookie will now finish the campaign with 878 total yards and 10 scores - nearly averaging 80 total yards and a score in his eight starts - as one of the lone bright spots in Detroit's 5-11 2020 season. With Peterson no longer under contract beyond this season, the future is especially bright for Swift.
Dec 26, 2020
Quiet with rest of team's offense
Swift rushed 10 times for 45 yards and lost a fumble in Saturday's 47-7 loss to the Buccaneers. He added four catches on five targets for 25 yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift didn't have a chance to get going in this one, as Detroit lost starting quarterback Matthew Stafford to an ankle injury on its first drive and was buried in a 47-7 hole by halftime. On the bright side, Swift still led the team in rushing yards and finished second to Danny Amendola in receiving yards. The rookie should find more running room in Week 17 against the Vikings, who just gave up six touchdowns to Saints running back Alvin Kamara.
Dec 20, 2020
Scores twice via ground
Swift registered 67 yards and two rushing TDs over 15 carries, adding four receptions for 15 yards during Sunday's 46-25 loss to the Titans. He also lost one fumble.
ANALYSIS
With Detroit remaining devoid of No. 1 wideout Kenny Golladay (hip) since Week 8, Swift again stepped into a notable pass-catching role, tying Mohamed Sanu for second on the team in targets. The second-round rookie currently holds a streak of eight consecutive games with three or more receptions, and he's now provided three rushing scores over his past two outings. A Week 16 matchup against Tampa Bay has the potential to curtail Swift's effectiveness on the ground, as the Buccaneers are surrendering a league-low 3.1 yards per carry to opposing backs on the season.
Dec 14, 2020
Totals 50 yards in return
Swift rushed seven times for 24 yards and one touchdown while catching four of five targets for 26 yards during Sunday's 31-24 loss to Green Bay.
ANALYSIS
After missing three games to clear concussion protocol, Swift returned to log over half of the offensive snaps and his 11 touches were over double that of Adrian Peterson (five). While Kerryon Johnson also saw some playing time, interim head coach looks like he will let Swift pick up where he left off as the Lions' clear feature back. However, the potential absence of quarterback Matthew Stafford (ribs) is something to keep an eye on in advance of Sunday's Week 15 game against the Titans.
Dec 13, 2020
Returning from three-game absence
Swift (illness) is active for Sunday's contest against the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Swift sat out Weeks 11 and 12 due to a concussion, and while he passed the protocol for head injuries during Week 13 prep, a non-COVID-19-related illness conspired to keep him out for a third straight game. After logging a full practice Friday, he was deemed questionable for this outing, but the aforementioned lack of limitations indicated he was trending toward a return. Indeed, Swift is back in the lineup and will look to take advantage of a Green Bay defense that conceded 72 yards from scrimmage on his 10 touches back in Week 2.
Dec 12, 2020
Should return Sunday
Swift (illness), who is listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Packers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The 21-year-old hasn't seen the field since Week 10 due to a concussion and an illness, but he received the questionable tag after working as a full participant at Friday's practice. Swift took control of the backfield and played a season-high 73 percent of the offensive snaps during his last contest, but the three-game absence could result in less of a workhorse role his first game back on the field.
Dec 11, 2020
Questionable after full practice
Swift (illness) was a full practice participant Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Interim coach Darrell Bevell said Swift has been making progress, culminating in his first full practice since Wednesday of Week 11. The rookie broke out for 149 yards on season-high 73 percent snap share the last time he suited up, but it's possible he slides back into a committee after missing three straight games. Swift at least appears on track to play, be it as a three-down workhorse or as part of a timeshare. The Packers and Lions are scheduled for a 4:25 ET kickoff, with Detroit needing to pull off the upset to have any realistic shot at competing for a wild-card spot.
Dec 11, 2020
Trending toward return
Coach Darrell Bevell said Swift (illness) is trending in the right direction to play Sunday against the Packers, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 21-year-old was able to practice as a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday and appears on track to retake the field Week 14 after missing the past three games. However, Swift's participation at Friday's practice will determine whether he receives an injury designation for Sunday's contest.
Dec 10, 2020
Another limited session
Swift (illness) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift has now logged back-to-back limited practice to begin the week, an apparent indication that he has a fair chance to return from his three-game absence. With Kerryon Johnson (knee) having returned to practice in full and Adrian Peterson also healthy, though, the Lions have the luxury of quality backups to lean on if Swift isn't yet completely ready. Friday's practice will no doubt be key in determining the rookie's chances of suiting up for Sunday's game against the Packers.
Dec 9, 2020
Limited in return to practice
Swift (illness) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift missed two straight practices due to a non-COVID-19-related illness before being ruled out for last weekend's game against the Bears, so it's significant to see him now handling even limited reps. The rookie second-round pick appears to be trending in the right direction for Sunday's contest against the Packers after a three-game hiatus, but with Kerryon Johnson (knee) also currently limited, Adrian Peterson and Jonathan Williams are the Lions' only fully healthy running backs to begin the week.
Dec 9, 2020
Set to practice
Swift (illness) will participate in Wednesday's practice, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift has missed three straight games, two due to a concussion and one due to a non-COVID-19-related illness, so it'll be encouraging to see him back at practice even if he ends up limited. The rookie running back's migraines have reportedly subsided, so he could be trending upward for Sunday's game against the Packers.
Dec 6, 2020
Missing third straight game
Swift (illness) is listed as inactive Sunday at Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Swift was cleared of his concussion this week, but a non-COVID-19-related illness proceeded to threaten his Week 13 availability. Indeed, he'll miss a third game in a row, leaving the backfield in the hands of Kerryon Johnson, Adrian Peterson and (to a lesser extent) Jonathan Williams (hip).
Dec 5, 2020
Downgraded to doubtful
The Lions have deemed Swift (illness) as doubtful for Sunday's game in Chicago, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
While Swift was able to clear concussion protocol earlier in the week, he proceeded to miss the final two practices due to a non-COVID-19-related illness. He was already expected to have a decreased role if given the green light, but the Lions appear to be trending toward erring on the side of caution. The rookie has not played since Week 10 and assuming he ultimately gets ruled out, look for Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson to handle most of the work out of the backfield.
Dec 5, 2020
Downgraded to doubtful
The Lions have deemed Swift (illness) as doubtful for Sunday's game in Chicago, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
While Swift was able to clear concussion protocol earlier in the week, he proceeded to miss the final two practices due to a non-COVID-19-related illness. He was already expected to have a decreased role if given the green light, but the Lions appear to be trending toward erring on the side of caution. The rookie has not played since Week 10 and assuming he ultimately gets ruled out, look for Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson to handle most of the work out of the backfield.
Dec 4, 2020
Status in question for Sunday
Swift (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Chicago, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift cleared the concussion protocol as of Thursday, but he proceeded to miss the final two practices of the week due to a non-COVID-19-related illness. If he receives clearance to play Sunday for the first time since Week 10, interim coach Darrell Bevell told Justin Rogers of The Detroit News that Swift will have a "smaller, game-plan specific role." As a result, it'll be difficult to trust an active Swift after Adrian Peterson compiled 15 carries for 55 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans on Thanksgiving.
Dec 4, 2020
Still ill, missing practice again
Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell said that Swift (illness) won't participate in Friday's practice, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Though Swift cleared the concussion protocol Thursday, he won't be present at practice for the second day in a row while he tends to a non-COVID-related illness. Because Swift hasn't put in a full practice since Nov. 18, Bevell acknowledged that even if the rookie is cleared to suit up Sunday against the Bears, he'll be in store for a smaller, game plan-specific role, per Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. The Lions will give Swift an official designation for the Week 13 matchup shortly after Friday's practice concludes.
Dec 3, 2020
Recovers from concussion, but falls ill
Swift cleared the NFL's concussion protocol Thursday, but he didn't participate in the Lions' practice session while tending to a non-COVID-19-related illness, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
According to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, teammate Adrian Peterson relayed earlier Thursday that Swift has lacked his usual energy since being diagnosed with the brain injury Nov. 19, but the rookie nonetheless finds himself out of the protocol after an independent neurologist gave him full medical clearance. Even so, Swift still took a step back in terms of activity, as he had been a limited participant Wednesday before the unspecified illness resulted in him sitting out Thursday's session entirely. Because he hasn't practiced fully in more than two weeks, Swift may need to turn in restriction-free workout Friday to avoid carrying a designation into Sunday's game in Chicago.
Dec 3, 2020
Not practicing Thursday
Swift (concussion) wasn't in attendance for the open portion of Thursday's practice, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift was listed as a limited participant Wednesday for the Lions' first practice of Week 13, but his absence from the team facility a day later may hint at a possible setback in his recovery from the concussion he sustained in a Week 10 game against Washington. Prior to Thursday's practice, interim head coach Darrell Bevell didn't provide much information behind why Swift was missing, but at this stage, the running back is looking unlikely to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's game in Chicago. If Swift is in fact sidelined for a third straight game, Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson would handle the bulk of the snaps and touches out of the Detroit backfield.
Dec 2, 2020
Officially limited Wednesday
Swift (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Swift has missed back-to-back games while in the concussion protocol, but the extent of his participation in Wednesday's practice would seem to indicate real progress. Chris Burke of The Athletic reports that the rookie running back participated in rushing and pass-catching drills, but that Thursday's practice will play a larger role in determining his Week 13 availability.
Dec 2, 2020
In line to work Wednesday
Swift (concussion) is slated to practice in some capacity Wednesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
That's a step in the right direction for Swift, but Birkett relays that the Lions plan to wait until the end of the week to determine whether the running back can return to action Sunday against the Bears. With that in mind, Chris Burke of The Athletic notes that interim coach Darrell Bevell says that he thinks Swift is close, but acknowledged that things have been a little up and down in terms of the 2020 second-rounder's recovery from his concussion.
Nov 26, 2020
Sidelined again Thursday
Swift (concussion) is listed as inactive Thursday against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Swift made some progress through the concussion protocol this week, wrapping it up with back-to-back limited sessions. Still, it wasn't enough to gain clearance to play. Swift will miss his second game in a row as a result, leaving Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson to carry the load out of the Lions backfield. Swift's next chance to suit up arrives Sunday, Dec. 6 at Chicago.
Nov 26, 2020
Not expected to play Thursday
Swift (concussion) is unlikely to play Thursday against the Texans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Confirmation of Swift's status will arrive when the Lions' inactives are released prior to the team's 12:30 ET kickoff. If Swift is unavailable, Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson would be in line to lead Detroit's backfield Thursday.
Nov 25, 2020
Officially listed as questionable
Swift (concussion) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Texans, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift has managed to log back-to-back limited practice sessions since beginning the week as a non-participant. The rookie running back remains in the league's five-step concussion protocol as of Wednesday afternoon, but he has a shot to gain full clearance in time to play Thanksgiving Day. If Swift can't go, however, Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson will lead Detroit's backfield.
Nov 24, 2020
Upgrades to limited participation
Swift (concussion) was limited particpant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After being listed as DNP on Monday's practice estimate, Swift's limited session Tuesday signals that he's making progress in the league's five-step concussion protocol. The rookie second-round pick has a shot to play in the Thanksgiving Day game against Houston, but he'll first need to be cleared by an independent neurologist. If he's not cleared in time, Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson figure to handle the backfield reps once again.
Nov 23, 2020
Estimated as non-participant
Swift (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie second-round pick sat out Sunday's loss to the Panthers after entering the concussion protocol, and he'll only have a couple additional days to clear the protocol for Thursday's matchup with Houston. Swift likely will need to return to practice in some capacity in the next two days to have a chance of suiting up Thanksgiving Day. Kerryon Johnson played 70 percent of the offensive snaps and had eight touches for 38 yards with Swift sidelined against Carolina, while Adrian Peterson rushed six times for 17 yards.
Nov 20, 2020
Ruled out for Week 11
Swift (concussion) will not play in Sunday's game against the Panthers, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift entered the concussion protocol Thursday, giving him little-to-no chance to be ready for Sunday's game. It's also possible he misses a second contest, as the Lions have their customary Thanksgiving Day game next Thursday against the Texans. Adrian Peterson figures to serve as the lead ballcarrier while Swift is out, with Kerryon Johnson likely handling most of the passing situations. It's a tough break for the rookie after he busted loose for 149 total yards and a touchdown in the Week 10 win over Washington.
Nov 20, 2020
Not looking good for Week 11
Head coach Matt Patricia acknowledged Friday morning that it will be "difficult" for Swift (concussion) to play Sunday against the Panthers, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Patricia noted that the Lions are "doing our diligence" with Swift, but with game day just a couple days away, there will not be much time for him to clear the concussion protocol. The Lions figure to provide another update on Swift's status after Friday's practice comes to a close. If he is indeed unable to go in Week 11, Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson would be in line to split the bulk of the backfield work in some fashion.
Nov 19, 2020
Enters concussion protocol
Swift is recovering from a concussion and wasn't able to participate in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Swift wasn't included on the Lions' initial Week 11 injury report that was released Wednesday, but he may have either picked up the concussion in practice that day or experienced delayed symptoms of the head injury coming out of last weekend's win over Washington. Whatever the case, Swift's entry into the NFL's five-step concussion protocol this late in the week will make it difficult for him to gain clearance ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers, a disappointing development after the rookie appeared to take claim to a clear three-down role in Week 10. Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson would likely split reps out of the backfield if Swift isn't able to suit up in Carolina.
Nov 15, 2020
Totals 147 yards in first career start
Swift logged 16 carries for 81 yards while catching all five of his targets for 68 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 30-27 win over Washington.
ANALYSIS
Getting his first career start, Swift handled 21 touches compared to six between Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson combined. While Swift's efficiency both through the air and on the ground against a solid Washington defensive front shouldn't give the Lions coaching staff any reason to go away from him, it's not certain the committee approach at running back is over in Detroit. How Swift is used in Week 11 against a declining Panthers defense will be telling.
Nov 15, 2020
In line for starting role
Swift is expected to serve as Detroit's starting running back Sunday against Washington, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
According to Rapoport, the Lions still plan to use a three-man backfield mix that includes Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson, but Swift will at least be on the field for Detroit's first play of the afternoon. The rookie had already seen his playing time pick up in the previous three weeks, clearing 40 percent offensive snap shares in all of those contests. While Detroit likely won't ask Swift to handle anything resembling a bell-cow role, the fact that he's being listed as a starter ahead of Peterson for the first time this season at least offers hope that the 21-year-old will see an uptick in touches over the second half of the campaign.
Nov 8, 2020
Racks up 16 touches in Week 9
Swift carried the ball 13 times for 64 yards in Week 9 against the Vikings. He added three receptions for 33 yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift accounted for 13 of the team's 27 total rushing attempts, his second-highest total of the season. He was fairly effective, racking up two carries of more than 15 yards. Swift also remained effective as a receiver, recording a 19-yard reception on the team's first drive of the fourth quarter. He came close to 100 total yards for the second time in his career and appears poised to continue to increase his role in the backfield as the season wears on. Swift's next opportunity to take the field will come in Week 10 against Washington.
Nov 1, 2020
Shut down by Colts
Swift carried six times for one yard while catching three of four targets for 22 yards during Sunday's 41-21 loss to Indianapolis.
ANALYSIS
Despite somehow leading the team with six carries, Swift finished fourth in rushing yards against a tough Colts defense that entered the game allowing the fourth-fewest yards per rush attempt (3.5). While it's worth noting that Kerryon Johnson stole a receiving score, Swift's obvious struggles in pass protection suggest the rookie could see a downtick in passing-game work or even land in Matt Patricia's dog house. Swift at least has some upside in Week 9 against a Vikings defense allowing the third-most points per game (32.0) in 2020.
Oct 25, 2020
Scores for third time in two weeks
Swift registered 27 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries, adding four receptions for 21 yards during Sunday's 23-22 win against the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
Though Swift skated to an 8.3 yards-per-carry average with two rushing scores last week in a drubbing of the Jaguars, future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson still handled over 50 percent of the RB carries during Week 7. Swift has been consistently garnering more involvement in the passing game, out-targeting his veteran mentor by a 5-1 tally Sunday, though it appears Detroit is committed to working in Peterson as a key part of the ground game. The upcoming Week 8 matchup against Indianapolis is prohibitive for Lions back in general, as the Colts are allowing a 3.5 yards-per-carry average to opposing backs this season with only three rushing scores surrendered.
Oct 25, 2020
Role likely to expand Week 7
Swift is expected to see an expanded role for the Lions in Sunday's game against the Falcons, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
While Rapoport notes that Adrian Peterson will continue to serve as the Lions' starting running back, the veteran could cede more snaps and carries to Swift on the heels of the rookie's breakout performance Week 6 versus the Jaguars. Peterson had already been regularly subbing out on passing downs in favor of Swift, but the latter likely earned himself more work on the ground after rushing 14 times for 116 yards and two scores in the win over Jacksonville. The Lions may not have the luxury of playing ahead in Week 7 like they did for most of Week 6, but Swift's prowess as a pass catcher still gives him another path to providing fantasy value if he doesn't earn double-digit carries again Sunday.
Oct 18, 2020
Breakout performance
Swift carried the ball 14 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns in Week 6 against the Jaguars. He added three receptions for seven yards.
ANALYSIS
Swift posted his best game as a professional, as he saw his involvement in the offense spike significantly following the team's bye in Week 5. Entering the game, Swift had seen no more than five carries and 10 total touches in any contest. However, he took advantage of the increased opportunity, breaking off a 54-yard run -- the team's longest offensive play of the day -- while also finding the end zone twice from near the goal line. Adrian Peterson still earned 15 touches, though it's difficult to predict the Lions turning away from Swift after this strong performance. The Lions will draw another manageable matchup in Week 7 against the Falcons.
Oct 4, 2020
Catches TD in loss
Swift rushed four times for 22 yards and caught all four of his targets for 30 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 35-29 loss to the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Swift capped the opening drive with a seven-yard touchdown, giving the rookie one touchdown through the air and one on the ground through four games. His four carries ranked second on the team behind Adrian Peterson's 11, which Peterson turned into 36 yards and a touchdown. Swift's superior receiving skills are useful on a Lions team that's often playing catch-up, and his development should benefit from the team's early Week 5 bye.
Sep 28, 2020
Small role in Week 3 win
Swift did not log a carry but caught one of two targets for 19 yards during Sunday's 26-23 victory over Arizona.
ANALYSIS
After seeing 34 offensive snaps in Week 1 and 20 in Week 2, Swift was used on just six offensive snaps Sunday while Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson logged 40 and 20, respectively. Against a Cardinals team that ran a hefty 159 total offensive snaps during the first two weeks of the season, Lions head coach Matt Patricia suggested after the game that the backfield playing time was determined by Detroit's goal to "control the clock," according to Chris Burke of the Athletic. As it appears Swift is neither Detroit's first or second option when they want to do so, the rookie may be hard to trust in games when the Lions are expected to try to dominate the time of possession.
Sep 20, 2020
Five carries, five catches in loss
Swift rushed five times for 12 yards and caught all five of his targets for 60 yards in Sunday's 42-21 loss to the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Swift appears to be the receiving back of choice in Detroit's three-man backfield rotation, as Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson combined for 15 carries but only one target. Game script dictated plenty of second-half usage for Swift with the Lions trailing, and he came up just two receiving yards short of T.J. Hockenson's team-leading total. The Lions will be underdogs in Arizona in Week 3, so Swift should be Detroit's most fantasy-friendly running back option in that one.
Sep 13, 2020
Scores in professional debut
Swift rushed three times for eight yards and one touchdown while catching three of five targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 27-23 loss to Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Even though Kerryon Johnson got the start and Adrian Peterson more than doubled the number of carries that Swift and Johnson had combined, it was Swift who easily led the Lions backfield in snaps. He could have been the hero, too, if not for letting the game-winning touchdown pass slip through his hands in the closing seconds of the game. Regardless, the amount of playing time Swift saw should be a good sign for his rookie-year workload going forward. Next up is a road matchup in Week 2 against Green Bay.
Sep 11, 2020
Cleared to play
Swfit (hip) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Bears, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift was limited at practice throughout the week before upgrading to full participation Friday. With that out of the way, it's his role rather than his health that's the big cause for concern, though the two arguably became intertwined when his hip injury caused a prolonged absence from training camp. In any case, Swift will be part of a backfield that also includes Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson, potentially setting up as a three-man committee to start the year.
Sep 10, 2020
Puts forth limited practice
Swift (hip) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Though Swift's reps were capped on account of the hip injury for the second day in a row, coach Matt Patricia hasn't suggested the rookie is in any real danger of missing Sunday's season opener versus the Bears. If available, Swift will likely be part of a timeshare in the backfield that includes Kerryon Johnson, Adrian Peterson and potentially second-year man Ty Johnson.
Sep 9, 2020
Limited with hip injury
Swift (hip) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Swift has been hampered by injury since mid-August, but until now the issue's details had been undisclosed. The rookie running back's status for Sunday's season opener against the Bears looks up in the air, though he'll have two more chances to increase his participation in practice. With Adrian Peterson having joined Detroit's backfield over the weekend, even if Swift does manage to suit up Week 1 he could find himself entrenched in a committee.
Sep 6, 2020
Joined by AP in backfield
Swift (undisclosed) is facing additional backfield competition for reps from Adrian Peterson, who signed a one-year contract with the Lions on Sunday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift and Kerryon Johnson are still expected to handle a bulk of the workload to begin the season, but Peterson has commanded carries at every stop during his 13-year career, so he'll cut into their touches to some degree. It doesn't help that Swift has missed so many practices with an undisclosed injury, but once he's healthy, the rookie second-round pick is expected to pull away as the lead back. He's clearly the most dynamic of the bunch and has impressed with his pass-catching ability early in camp. Peterson can't compete with Swift in the latter, so he should be considered a dependable, veteran backup that may chip away at Swift's ceiling but leaves a consistent workload for the rookie.
Sep 1, 2020
Limited in practice again
Swift (undisclosed) made it through Monday's limited practice without any setbacks and could handle a similar workload Tuesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift still hasn't been cleared for full-team work, but Chris Burke of The Athletic reports that the rookie went through positional drills in pads at Monday's practice. It sounds like Swift is on track for Week 1 against the Bears, though his role may be impacted by all the missed practice time.
Aug 31, 2020
Practicing in limited capacity
Swift (undisclosed) will be a limited practice participant Monday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift also saw some limited work last Wednesday but otherwise has mostly been absent for the past week and a half. His injury isn't thought to be serious, but both Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press and Kyle Meinke of MLive.com have suggested the missed practice time could impact Swift's role early in the season. Kerryon Johnson would be the obvious beneficiary if the Lions don't think Swift is ready for a large quantity of snaps.
Aug 28, 2020
Missing out on opportunity
Swift's continued absence from practice with an undisclosed injury could have a negative impact on his Week 1 role, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift suffered his injury in the Lions' third padded practice, bringing his fast start to training camp to a screeching halt. He should still have a role in the offense if he's healthy enough to play in the season opener against Chicago, but it is possible the missed practice time tilts the Week 1 workload more in Kerryon Johnson's favor. In any case, Swift missed another practice session Friday.
Aug 27, 2020
Held out of practice
Swift (undisclosed) won't practice Thursday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift missed a few days of practice before returning Wednesday as a limited participant. There hasn't been any report of a setback, so it's possible the Lions are just holding him out to be cautious. Missed practice time is never great for a rookie, but Swift should still be a big part of the Week 1 gameplan if he's healthy enough to play.
Aug 26, 2020
Returns to limited practice
Swift (undisclosed) will be a limited practice participant Wednesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Swift's ability to return after a few days suggests his undisclosed injury isn't serious, but he's nonetheless missing out on chances to make an impression with the first-team offense. The rookie is battling Kerryon Johnson for playing time in what likely will be a committee backfield. It remains to be seen if it'll be only Johnson and Swift getting snaps, as there's also some chance Bo Scarbrough (undisclosed) could steal short-yardage work, or perhaps another back -- Ty Johnson, Jason Huntley, Jonathan Williams -- could earn a small role.
Aug 21, 2020
Doesn't practice Friday
Swift did not take part in practice Friday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Twentyman didn't have an immediate reason for Swift's absence from practice, but he and Bo Scarborough (undisclosed) were reportedly both out of commission. Assuming the absence isn't expected to be a long one, Swift, who has impressed as a receiver early in camp, should be a major factor in the Lions' backfield as a rookie.
Aug 18, 2020
Impressing as receiver
Swift has impressed as a receiver thus far into training camp, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The report notes that Swift has looked like anything but a rookie. Specifically, the Georgia product hasn't had an issue running routes against linebackers or safeties, regardless of whether Swift lines up in the slot, out wide, or out of the backfield. With Kerryon Johnson (undisclosed) missing reps Tuesday -- though possibly for maintenance reasons -- Swift is probably getting plenty of reps as a runner as well.
Jul 4, 2020
Signs rookie deal
Swift announced Saturday via his personal Twitter account that he signed his four-year contract with the Lions.
ANALYSIS
The question now becomes, what type of role does the talented back assume at the NFL level? 2018 second-round pick, Kerryon Johnson, has briefly flashed moments of legitimate talent throughout his two-year career, including a rookie campaign in which he averaged 5.4 yards per carry. But injuries and general ineffectiveness last season from the Auburn product seem to set the stage for Johnson and Swift to operate as a 1-2 tandem, with the latter likely handling snaps as the receiving threat out of the backfield. The Lions also spent a 2020 fifth-round pick on the versatile Jason Huntley who should at least occupy some of the more obvious pass-catching scenarios over either back, but it's quite clear that Swift's star is the one that is shining the brightest in the Lions backfield at the moment.