D’Andre Swift hasn’t technically started a game yet in 2021. Jamaal Williams has been on the field for the first Detroit Lions offensive snap at running back, not Swift. But that’s not any indication of a lack of respect or trust in Swift’s game.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed why Swift isn’t the nominal starter in his press conference.
“I think it was more of, ‘Hey, let’s see where he’s at,’” Campbell told reporters before Wednesday’s practice session. “He’s still kind of coming off these injuries. We’ve got to use him the right way. Be careful. Let Jamaal start. Jamaal’s been here the full time”
Swift, as is customary throughout the season, was a limited participant with his groin problem. That is strictly precautionary, something Campbell and the Lions have reiterated several times. The head coach then offered up this nugget on Swift,
“I, certainly, think you’re going to see a lot more of Swift, and he can very easily be out there first play. I think he’s done enough to earn that.”
Swift has played quite a bit more than Williams through the first three weeks. His 134 snaps dwarf the “starter’s” 85, and he also has more touches. Swift has 33 carries and 23 targets in the passing game, each of which leads the Lions. Williams has 28 carries and 14 targets through three games.
The Lions offense perked up noticeably when Swift took over in the second half of the Week 3 loss to the Ravens.
