PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions stiff arms Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on November 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
After his own 2021 season was set off course by an injury, Lions running back D’Andre Swift is looking forward to the prospect of running behind a fully healthy offensive line.
The 2021 season was a “what might have been” campaign for Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift. As it was he topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 13 games played–10 games of substantial action. He missed four games and most of another with a right shoulder injury.
Swift is one of the top pass-catching backs in the league (62 receptions in 2021), with untapped upside as a runner that can only be helped by being able to stay on the field.
The Lions had their most productive rushing attack since the Barry Sanders era last season (4.4 yards per carry). The offensive line was center stage on that front, as Swift, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds each had a turn as the lead back.
But Detroit’s offensive line was hit by injuries itself. The projected starting five entering the season never had as much as a single snap together last season, with left tackle Taylor Decker (finger) and center Frank Ragnow (turf toe) most notably missing eight and 13 games respectively.
D’Andre Swift excited to run behind healthy Lions’ offensive line
Swift was among the Lions’ players who talked to the media on Thursday. He couldn’t hide how he’s looking forward to running behind a fully healthy offensive line.
Via Justin Rogers of the Detroit News:
Yeah, that crosses my mind at least once a day,” Swift said with a big smile. “Having all them healthy, that’d mean the world. Getting Frank back, getting Deck back healthy, Penei going into his second year — his confidence has been amazing since he’s been in the building. So I feel like we’re gonna be good. If we can stay right up front, we’ll be fine.”
Staying healthy himself is the biggest key for Swift looking to next season. But a fully healthy offensive line will help him fully unleash his potential.