When healthy, D'Andre Swift is one of the more dynamic backs in the NFL, but he's dealt with numerous ailments throughout his three-year career. Entering Week 7, Swift is nursing with a shoulder injury that once again threatens to keep him out of the Lions' road matchup against the Cowboys. With Swift sitting as a borderline RB1 when healthy, whether he's playing will have a big effect on fantasy football owners' start 'em, sit 'em decisions, especially in a week with four byes (Rams, Vikings, Eagles, Bills) and JK Dobbins (knee) already ruled out.
We'll continue to update this article with news on Swift until the official active/inactive report comes out on Sunday around 11:35 a.m. ET.
WEEK 7 INJURY UPDATES:
WRs | Andrews | Waddle
Is D'Andre Swift playing Week 7?
UPDATE: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday that "barring a surprise," Swift is not expected to play against Dallas.
UPDATE 2: Swift is officially OUT for Week 7.
Swift (shoulder) is officially listed as "questionable" leading into Sunday afternoon's road matchup against the Cowboys. He practiced all week in a limited fashion, which is a step in the right direction for his chances of suiting up this week. After initially getting banged up in Week 3 against the Vikings, the plan was for Swift to miss the team's next two games and have an additional week to recover during the Lions bye in Week 6. We think there's a better shot he plays than sits out.
WEEK 7 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
If Swift is active, he's a must-start in all formats. He currently leads all RBs in yards per touch (8.8) and breakaway run rate (14.8 percent) and while he hasn't been featured as much in the red zone (two red-zone touches) with fellow RB Jamaal Williams remaining as the team's primary goal-line back, Swift still can score 20-plus PPR fantasy points every week. Despite Dallas having a well-rounded defense, the Cowboys can be exploited on the ground, ranking smack dab in the middle of the league in opponent yards per carry (4.4 YPC).
WEEK 7 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Additionally, Swift's receiving ability gives him a big boost in PPR formats, and with the Lions pegged as 6.5-point road underdogs, a negative game script could force Swift into racking up a good deal of receptions. Williams can still have standard-league flex value even if Swift is active because of his goal-line prowess, and if Swift is out, Williams would be a must-start as the Lions' bell-cow back.
