The Chicago Bears continue to monitor their backfield situation as D’Andre Swift appears on yet another injury report. The veteran running back finds himself dealing with another health concern heading into Week 4. For fantasy football managers counting on Swift, what is the latest on his status?
D’Andre Swift Injury Update
In what is apparently now a weekly occurrence, Swift is on the injury report once again. Last week, he managed three limited practices while dealing with a quad issue that ultimately didn’t prevent him from playing against Dallas. This week, the quad issue appears to have been resolved, but Swift still couldn’t avoid being limited at Wednesday’s practice with a new hip concern.
Of course, fantasy managers would prefer their players to be fully healthy and absent from injury reports entirely. However, football is a violent game and injuries are inevitable, especially for running backs who absorb significant contact on every carry.
The good news is that Swift was able to practice, albeit in a limited capacity. This represents a positive development compared to missing practice entirely, which would signal a more serious concern.
Wednesday practices are largely meaningless in terms of actual game availability. Teams routinely rest veteran players or exercise extreme caution with anyone dealing with minor issues. Many established players receive maintenance days on Wednesdays as a standard practice to help preserve their bodies throughout the long season.
The fact that Swift practiced at all on a Wednesday is incredibly encouraging given his status as a veteran who could easily have been given the day off entirely if the hip issue were significant. His participation, even in a limited role, suggests this is a minor concern that the team is managing proactively rather than a serious injury.
There is absolutely no reason to be worried about his Week 4 status based on this report. Swift’s ability to practice through the hip issue demonstrates that it’s not limiting his mobility or function in any meaningful way.
Fantasy managers should expect Swift to play against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. His track record of playing through similar injury designations and the minor nature of the current issue make him a reliable option for Week 4 lineups.
Thursday Update:Â Swift was limited again at Thursday’s practice. He will probably be limited again on Friday, and may or may not draw a questionable tag. Swift is going to be just fine.
Swift Fantasy Outlook
This season could be a wild ride for the Bears, and I think D’Andre Swift fans are okay with that.
He’s averaging 17 touches per game and is critical to how this offense functions, be it via the dump-off pass or the traditional ground game.
Roschon Johnson isn’t getting on the field, and Kyle Monangai, despite a great first name, is picking up just 3.4 yards per carry in his fall-forward role. Swift has a role that allows him to have access to elite versatility, and that’s how the fantasy bills are paid:
12+ Carries and 3+ Catches In All Three Weeks
Christian McCaffrey
Bijan Robinson
Breece Hall
D’Andre Swift
I’m going to have him ranked as an RB2 most weeks, and I think there’s upside this week in a game where the Bears are favored.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
