Lions' Star Running Back Returns to Practice

Despite a promising start that saw them score an impressive 140 points in their first four games, the Detroit Lions sit at 1-6 after their first seven games in part because of the decline of their exciting offense. Maybe the return of running back D'Andre Swift can set them back on track. Swift returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session.

D'Andre Swift back at practice, Penei Sewell remains out. https://t.co/zQvSYRx0ou
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 3, 2022

Swift played 33 snaps in the team's 31-27 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 8, but his absence at Wednesday's practice ignited fears that he'd exacerbated his previous ankle and shoulder injuries. Swift missed the previous three games with his various ailments.

When available and healthy, Swift has been one of the Lions' most explosive and effective players. In his four appearances this season, he has totalled 341 yards from scrimmage and an amazing 7.4 yards per rushing attempt.

Swift joined the Lions as their 35th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a promising runner and receiver out of the backfield, combining for 1138 rushing yards and 809 receiving yards across his first two seasons. If he can play at the peak of his powers, he could spark the Lions offense back to its early season glory: they've scored 30.5 points per game with him on the field and 17 points per game in contests he has missed.