Injuries have battered the Detroit Lions’ offense through the first month of the season. The injury bug caught up with star running back D’Andre Swift, as the team’s starting tailback is dealing with a shoulder ailment. When is Swift set to return for Detroit, and what is the fantasy football impact of his injury?
Is D’Andre Swift Playing Today?
Swift, who failed to practice all week leading up to the team’s Week 5 matchup with the New England Patriots, has been ruled out for Sunday’s contest. His game-day status isn’t much of a surprise — head coach Dan Campbell had alluded to Swift’s shoulder issue being a multi-week injury.
The Lions will head into the team’s Week 6 bye following Sunday’s matchup with the Patriots. That week off will give Swift extra time to recuperate, and barring a setback, it stands to reason that he has a good chance of returning for a tough Week 7 battle against a sturdy Dallas Cowboys defense.
Fantasy Football Impact of Swift’s Injury
In Swift’s absence, veteran backup Jamaal Williams has been feasting on opposing offenses. With Swift playing banged up during the team’s Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Williams toted the rock 20 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns and hauled in two receptions for an additional 20 yards.
While Swift was absent in Week 4, Williams amassed 109 total yards on 20 touches and another two rushing scores.
MORE: RB Injury Report Week 5
Williams’ nose for the end zone (he has six scores through four weeks) has made him one of fantasy football’s most productive running backs through the first month of the season. This week, Williams will face a Patriots defense that has allowed 135.8 rushing yards per game, the seventh-most in the NFL. He should continue to produce for fantasy managers come Sunday.
Behind Williams on the depth chart sits Craig Reynolds. Reynolds saw a 32% snap share last week and impressed on his few touches, but he was allotted just two carries and one target, turning them into 30 yards on the ground and 12 through the air. Unless both Swift and Williams were to miss time, Reynolds is unlikely to have any fantasy value.
