Craig Reynolds showed out well when he got his opportunity, but how does he fit in the future plans for the Detroit Lions?
With D’Andre Swift (shoulder) out, Jamaal Williams on the COVID list and Godwin Igwebuike failing to seize the opportunity, Craig Reynolds stepped up to keep the Detroit Lions‘ ground attack on course.
After averaging 7.5 yards per carry with 99 total yards against the Denver Broncos in Week 14 (11 carries for 83 yards), the former UDFA and practice squader had 26 carries for 112 yards in the Lions’ upset win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15.
Williams returned from the COVID list for Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons, rushing for 77 yards on 19 carries. Reynolds had 11 carries for 29 yards and three catches (on four targets) for 22 yards, while playing one fewer snap (28 vs. 27) than Williams. Igwebuike played 10 snaps as the No. 3 back.
As COVID-19 has hampered NFL rosters and created opportunity, Peter Engler of The 33rd Team put together a list of COVID replacement players you should know. Reynolds made the list.
The 2019 UFDA spent two full years bouncing around the Washington, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Detroit practice squads, logging a total of one whole carry and three offensive snaps through his first two years and thirteen weeks in the NFL. This all changed suddenly in Week 14 when the dual absence of injured D’Andre Swift and COVID-reserve Jamaal Williams pushed Reynolds into the primary role. His first carry went for five yards, his third for 35. Although the game got out of hand late, Reynolds gained 7.55 yards per touch on his 11 carries and earned himself the starring role the next week: 26 carries and 112 yards in a wholly unexpected win (read: blowout) of Arizona.
With Williams back and Swift soon to follow, Reynolds won’t likely get that volume again anytime soon but the 215-pound back has been tough to bring down between the tackles and won’t be so easy to stash on a practice squad anymore.
How does Craig Reynolds fit into the Lions future plan?
As Engler cited, Swift is in line to return in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks after missing the last four games with a shoulder injury. It’s safe to assume his snaps will be a bit limited, but now the Lions will have three capable backs who are worthy of looks over the final two games of the season.
Looking beyond this season, Swift is under contract via his rookie deal for two more years. Williams will have one year left on the two-year deal he signed last offseason. Williams could be cut with little consequence in terms of cap hit or dead money, but it would make the most sense to keep him and let him play out his contract. Maybe a team looking for a running back comes with a trade offer at some point.
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Reynolds is not going to usurp a healthy Swift as the Lions’ No. 1 running back. Competing with Williams for the primary backup role heading into next season is far more likely. Regardless, Reynolds has earned a shot to stick on the Lions’ active roster in 2022.