| Detroit Free Press
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The Detroit Lions could have running back D’Andre Swift back in the lineup for Thursday’s Thanksgiving game against the Houston Texans.
Swift was listed as questionable on the Lions’ injury report Wednesday, but is expected to start if he clears concussion protocol before kickoff.
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The rookie reported a brain injury last week and was held out of the Lions’ Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He was listed as a limited participant on the Lions’ estimated practice report Wednesday for the second straight day.
The Lions (4-6) did not practice this week, and held only walkthroughs. Swift, a second-round pick out of Georgia, has emerged as their No. 1 running back.
He had 149 yards from scrimmage in a Week 10 win over Washington and leads the Lions with six touchdowns this year. Last week, with Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson sharing the running back reps, the Lions had just 40 yards rushing.
[ Matthew Stafford says thumb is ready for Thanksgiving vs. Texans ]
While Swift is questionable to play, the Lions ruled out six players for Thursday, including wide receiver Kenny Golladay for the fourth straight week.
Golladay has not played and has practiced only sparingly since leaving in the first half of a Nov. 1 loss to the Indianapolis Colts with a hip injury.
Jeff Okudah (shoulder), Danny Amendola (hip), Mike Ford (concussion), Da’Shawn Hand (groin) and Austin Bryant (thigh) also are out.
Amani Oruwariye, who was added to the practice report Wednesday with a back injury, is questionable to play, as is Reggie Ragland (ankle).
If Oruwariye cannot go, Desmond Trufant, Justin Coleman and Darryl Roberts would be the Lions’ top three cornerbacks.
The Lions have lost three straight Thanksgiving games after winning four straight in 2013-16.
The Texans (3-7) last played on Thanksgiving in 2012, when they beat the Lions, 34-31, in overtime, after Jim Schwartz threw an improper challenge flag after a disputed touchdown run by Justin Forsett.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
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