Lions Rumors: D'Andre Swift Could Miss 'Multiple Weeks' with Shoulder Injury
Dec 1, 2021
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre
Swift's sprained shoulder could leave him unavailable for "multiple weeks," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Swift was forced to leave the Lions'
Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears with the shoulder injury. He was listed as questionable because of a groin injury on several occasions this season but didn't miss any games with that ailment.
The 22-year-old University of Georgia
product missed three games during his rookie campaign last year
because of a concussion and an illness.
He's been a bright spot on an otherwise
struggling Detroit offense when healthy, tallying 984 yards from
scrimmage and six total touchdowns in 11 games this season.
Jamaal Williams is in line to lead the
Lions' backfield any time Swift is sidelined. Jermar Jefferson and
Godwin Igwebuike could also receive some playing time as part of a
committee approach.
Swift is a building block on offense
for Detroit, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team be cautious
with his recovery from injuries since its playoff hopes have faded away, with the team at 0-10-1 on the year.
Lions' D'Andre Swift Day-to-Day with Shoulder Injury Diagnosed as Sprain
Nov 26, 2021
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: D'Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions carries the ball during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Friday that running back D'Andre Swift is day-to-day with a sprained shoulder, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The 22-year-old exited Detroit's 16-14 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving with a shoulder injury. Following the game, Campbell said the team was in "wait-and-see" mode.
"We know it's a shoulder sprain. So we'll see where it goes," he told reporters.
Swift has run for 555 yards and four touchdowns in his second season with the Lions. He has also been a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield, hauling in 56 receptions for 429 yards and two scores.
This year has been a bit of a disaster for the Lions. They signaled a forthcoming rebuild with the trade of Matthew Stafford, but nobody expected them to be winless through 11 games (0-10-1).
In Swift, Detroit at least appears to have a talented running back who can fit into the franchise's long-term plans.
Because of his importance to the offense, losing the Georgia product to injury is an obvious blow to the Lions. But they're already a lost cause in 2021, so his potential absence doesn't change much in the grand scheme of things.
If Swift misses additional time, Jamaal Williams will take over as the primary ball-carrier.
The 26-year-old ended the Bears game with 20 touches (15 carries for 65 yards and five catches for 18 yards).
Andy Dalton, Bears Beat Lions amid Rumors of Matt Nagy Hot Seat, Justin Fields Injury
Nov 25, 2021
Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
There may be long-term questions for the Chicago Bears, but they at least figured out a way to defeat the winless Detroit Lions.
Chicago beat Detroit 16-14 in Thursday's NFC North clash at Ford Field. Andy Dalton led the way for the victors, who improved to 4-7 on the season and snapped a five-game losing streak even though starting quarterback Justin Fields was sidelined by a ribs injury.
The Bears marched down the field to end the game while facing a one-point deficit, and Cairo Santos drilled the winning field goal as time expired.
The on-field results took a backseat for the Bears leading up to Thursday's game.
Fields suffered cracked ribs during Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. What's more, Mark Konkol and Jeff Arnold of Patch reported Tuesday that this would be Matt Nagy's last game, although the head coach told reporters it was "not accurate."
Rapoport also reported Nagy likely will not be fired during the season, but the coaching situation overshadowed any storylines on the field going into the matchup with the Lions.
Things got even worse for the Bears when star linebacker Roquan Smith was ruled out with a hamstring injury, and Dalton threw an interception in the end zone near the end of the first half to spoil a promising drive that could have allowed the visitors to seize control.
Still, the veteran quarterback had Chicago in the lead in the second half thanks to two field-goal drives and a touchdown strike to Jimmy Graham. The defense also played well for stretches, recovering a Jared Goff fumble and bouncing back from Detroit's touchdown on its opening drive.
Yet it was the offense that was under the spotlight, and it looked bleak when the second half started with a missed field goal and two punts.
That's when the offense took over, though, using the final eight minutes and 30 seconds over the course of 19 plays in a dominant drive that helped erase a week's worth of bad headlines. Dalton was efficient and put the ball where it needed to be, and Santos buried the winning field goal in the clutch.
Lions Offense Doesn't do Enough in Win
It's hard to script a better opportunity for Detroit's first win than what it faced Thursday.
The Bears trotted out their backup quarterback and had questions circulating about their coaching situation. Throw in the fact that the game was at Ford Field, and the Lions appeared primed to finally notch a 2021 victory.
Their opening drive did nothing to change those feelings, as Goff unleashed a perfect strike to Josh Reynolds for a deep-ball touchdown to start the scoring. However, things took a turn for the worse from there when running back D'Andre Swift was ruled out with a shoulder injury, Goff lost a fumble and the offense stalled for a number of punts.
It wasn't like Detroit was facing Chicago's best defenders either, as Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks were both out, while Smith exited during the game.
Many of Goff's throws were the safe, underneath variety, although he gave the Lions the lead late in the third quarter. His second touchdown throw of the game went to T.J. Hockenson after he found an opening in the corner of the end zone, and the Lions took a one-point lead into the fourth quarter.
Yet Detroit punted on its final drive in that fourth quarter and never got the ball back because of the Bears' long drive.
While the Lions were unable to get the key defensive stop at the end of the game, 14 points against a Chicago defense that was missing Mack, Hicks and Smith was not good enough to finally get a win.
What's Next?
Both teams are home in Week 13, when the Bears face the Arizona Cardinals and the Lions host the Minnesota Vikings.
Jamaal Williams' Updated Lions Fantasy Outlook After D'Andre Swift Injury
Nov 25, 2021
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Jamaal Williams is the Detroit Lions' lead back for the time being after D'Andre Swift was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears with a shoulder injury.
Swift went down during the first half when Bears linebacker Roquan Smith tackled him hard along the sidelines. He had no rushing yards on three carries and three receptions for nine yards before exiting and was replaced by Williams.
Williams signed a two-year contract with the Lions this offseason to act as a backup for Swift. Entering Thursday's game, he had compiled 323 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, as well 16 catches for 99 yards in eight games this season.
Although he primarily played second fiddle to Aaron Jones during the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, Williams was an effective player with at least 674 yards from scrimmage in each of his campaigns in Green Bay.
Never much of an explosive runner or elite pass catcher, Williams will be in RB2 territory if Swift misses additional time beyond this week with the shoulder injury.
Williams could be limited by Detroit's low-end offense, but he will undoubtedly get the bulk of the work and have value in point-per-reception leagues since quarterback Jared Goff likes to dump the ball off to his running backs.
Godwin Igwebuike and rookie seventh-round pick Jermar Jefferson should also see more action if Swift lands on the shelf.
Lions RB D'Andre Swift Suffered Sprained Shoulder Injury vs. Bears on Thanksgiving
Nov 25, 2021
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Detroit Lions announced running back D'Andre Swift was ruled out for the end of Thursday's loss to the Chicago Bears.
Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters the injury was a shoulder sprain, although the running back will undergo further testing.
Swift dealt with a groin injury early in the season which limited him throughout training camp, but he was ready to go in Week 1 and has lived up to expectations during the regular season.
Though not a traditional between-the-tackles runner, the 5'9", 211-pound athlete has totaled 555 rushing yards and 420 receiving yards in 10 games of 2021.
Swift was also effective when given a chance in 2020, finishing with 878 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns despite splitting playing time with Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson.
Though he missed three games as a rookie, two because of a concussion and the other for an illness, the 2020 second-round pick has showed quality durability in the NFL.
The latest injury will force the Lions to turn to veteran Jamaal Williams until Swift returns to full strength.
Williams has proved to be a reliable runner and receiver during his four years with the Green Bay Packers and should be able to handle a full workload if needed. Godwin Igwebuike could also see extra snaps if Swift remains out for an extended stretch.
Lions Rumors: Jared Goff to Start vs. Bears on Thanksgiving Barring Injury Setback
Nov 25, 2021
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who missed last Sunday's 13-10 road loss to the Cleveland Browns with an oblique injury, is set to return Thursday at home against the Chicago Bears barring any overnight setbacks.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the news, which aligns with Lions head coach Dan Campbell telling reporters (h/t Benjamin Raven of mlive.com) this week that the team was leaning toward starting Goff after a one-game absence.
Goff has completed 66.1 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns (six interceptions) and 6.3 yards per attempt in nine games this year.
The Lions started Tim Boyle at quarterback in Goff's absence last Sunday. The ex-Green Bay Packers backup completed 15-of-23 passes for 77 yards and two interceptions.
Now Goff returns to the mix in hopes of leading the Lions to their first win this season. Goff's last time out resulted in the 2021 team's first non-defeat as the Lions tied the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-all.
Detroit has struggled on both sides of the ball and enters this week ranked third-last in both points per game and points allowed per game.
However, a home matchup against a 3-7 Bears team is a winnable game. Goff hasn't performed particularly well, but he's the best option on the roster and could be the difference here, especially against a Chicago team missing superstar edge-rusher Khalil Mack (season-ending foot surgery).
Game time is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET from Detroit's Ford Field.
Tim Boyle Could Start for Lions vs. Browns amid Jared Goff Injury, per Dan Campbell
Nov 19, 2021
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 27: Tim Boyle #12 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Ford Field on August 27, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell
said Tim Boyle will make his first NFL start if Jared Goff misses
Sunday's road game against the Cleveland Browns with an oblique
injury.
Campbell told reporters Goff, who's
feeling better and hasn't been ruled out, is going to throw Friday
before a decision about the team's Week 11 starting quarterback is finalized.
Goff suffered the injury in the first
quarter of the Lions' 16-16 tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers on
Sunday, but he finished the game. He missed the first two practice
sessions this week.
"I don't want to sit up here and
say I was hurt and whatever and make excuses," Goff said after the game. "It was bothering me, but I felt like
I could compete and throw fine, and I felt like I did. I don't feel
like it was a hindrance at any point."
The two-time Pro Bowl selection has
struggled in his first year with Detroit after being acquired in a
blockbuster offseason trade that sent fellow quarterback Matthew
Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams.
Goff has completed 66.1 percent of his
throws for 2,109 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions
through nine games. He ranks last among the 33 qualified
signal-callers in ESPN's Total QBR (27.2) and owns a poor 59.5
overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Boyle went undrafted out of Eastern
Kentucky in 2018. After three years with the Green Bay Packers, he
signed with the Lions in March.
The 27-year-old Connecticut native
received extremely limited playing time behind Aaron Rodgers in Green
Bay, completing three of his four career pass attempts, all of which
came in a November 2019 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
More recently, Boyle has been on
injured reserve since September because of a thumb injury, but the
Lions designated him to return this week, giving them a 21-day window
to put him back on the active roster.
Lions offensive coordinator Anthony
Lynn said they wouldn't change their approach if Boyle was thrust
into the starting role, per Chris Burke of The Athletic.
"It definitely doesn't close any of
the playbook," Lynn said. "He can handle it all. He's just been
out for a while."
Whether it's Goff or Boyle, the Lions'
passing attack will need to take advantage of a Browns defense that
has allowed the third-most passing touchdowns (21) and the
eighth-highest opponent passer rating (101.6) if Detroit is going to
pick up its first win of the campaign.
Report: Jared Goff's Status for Lions vs. Browns Unclear Because of Oblique Injury
Nov 16, 2021
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Detroit Lions starting quarterback Jared Goff suffered an oblique injury in Sunday's 16-16 tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Pelissero reported the Lions coaches want to see how Goff performs at practice before making a decision about whether he'll start in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns.
The 27-year-old was traded to Detroit alongside a 2021 third-round pick and first-rounders in 2022 and 2023 for Matt Stafford.
During his five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Goff was a two-time Pro Bowler, led the team to three playoff berths and had a Super Bowl appearance. He threw for 3,952 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season, completing 67 percent of his passes.
Those numbers weren't great—Goff didn't light it up in 2019, either, and never quite looked like the same player after Todd Gurley saw his production slip in 2019 before he was cut ahead of the 2020 season—but they were hardly terrible.
"The situation around him affected his game. If the O-line wasn't always firing or if he was missing a wide receiver, things didn't go well," a team source told ESPN's Lindsey Thiry about Goff's declining play. "If he had a clean pocket and everything was going perfect, he's a top-five quarterback."
But things rarely go perfectly. And Goff's dip in production, combined with a souring relationship with head coach Sean McVay, ushered in the end of Goff's time with the Rams.
A new team and a significantly less talented roster hasn't worked out well for the 2016 No. 1 overall pick. He has thrown for 2,107 yards and eight scores against six interceptions amid Detroit's 0-8-1 start.
While he's out, David Blough will step into the starting role.
Jared Goff 'Gives Us the Best Chance' to Win, Lions HC Dan Campbell Says
Nov 16, 2021
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Following Sunday's 16-16 tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn't looking to make a change at quarterback right now.
Speaking to reporters, Campbell said Jared Goff is "the guy that gives us the best chance" to win games.
Campbell added that he didn't give any serious consideration to benching Goff amid his struggles against the Steelers.
"If I felt like there was no way that he could function, then I would (have taken him out)," he said. "But I didn’t feel that way yesterday."
Campbell could have justified replacing Goff in the game because of injury. The two-time Pro Bowler told reporters Sunday he was dealing with "probably a strained oblique."
"Just kind of nagged me a little bit throughout the game," said Goff. "I thought I was fine to stay in there. I felt like it didn't affect me through the game. It'll be a little sore tomorrow, but I'll be fine.
The Lions acquired Goff in March as part of the Matthew Stafford trade with the Los Angeles Rams. His transition has been anything but smooth to this point. The 27-year-old is completing 66.1 percent of his attempts, but his yards per game (234.1) is on pace to be the fewest since his rookie season.
Goff's 2.4 touchdown percentage is tied with Trevor Lawrence for the second-worst in the NFL among quarterbacks with at least 300 attempts. He only threw for 112 passing yards (11 in the first half) on 25 attempts against the Steelers.
Detroit (0-8-1) is the only team in the NFL without a win. The team is winless in its last 13 games dating back to Week 14 of last season.
David Blough is the only other quarterback on the Lions' active roster. The Purdue alum started five games during the 2019 season when Stafford was out with spinal fractures. He did play four snaps in the 44-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.
The Lions will take on the Cleveland Browns (5-5) at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday.
Terrelle Pryor Blasts Jared Goff; Says He, Colin Kaepernick Would Be Better for Lions
Nov 15, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JULY 25: Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Terrelle Pryor Sr. (10) runs with the ball during training camp on July 25, 2019 at Dreamfinders Homes Practice Complex in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former NFL receiver Terrelle Pryor is not a fan of Jared Goff.
Pryor took to social media and ripped the Detroit Lions quarterback, writing on his Instagram stories: "Jared Goff is terrible (Charles Barkley voice). Myself and [Colin] Kaepernick can go on field this second and do better."
He might be right about Kaepernick. Goff is now 0-15-1 in his NFL career in games without his former Los Angeles Rams head coach, Sean McVay.
It's pretty arguable that Pryor could do better, however, given he was a quarterback in college but eventually transitioned to quarterback in the NFL. Pryor was 3-7 in his career as a starting quarterback, throwing for 1,994 yards, nine touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He completed just 56.3 percent of his passes.
Suffice to say, his transition to wide receiver was the correct call. Goff may be struggling on the lowly Lions, but he's still a two-time Pro Bowler and a player who reached the Super Bowl with the Rams.
