With D'Andre Swift out, Detroit Lions going to use 'a lot of Jamaal Williams' vs. Vikings

Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read
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The Detroit Lions were without several players at practice Wednesday, including two key cogs in their running game.

Neither running back D'Andre Swift nor right tackle Penei Sewell took part in the open portion of Wednesday's practice.

Swift is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings with a sprained shoulder, and the Lions will rely heavily on Jamaal Williams in his absence.

Williams has 76 yards rushing on 22 carries the past two weeks after missing two games with a thigh injury.

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Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, at Ford Field.
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, at Ford Field.

Lions coach Dan Campbell said backup running backs Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson also stand to have increased roles against the Vikings.

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"It’s no different than any other injury when you lose a guy who’s been very productive for us, somebody’s got to pick up the slack," Campbell said. "And the good news is we’ve got Jamaal back. We got him back, and so this’ll be his third week to get back and get in the flow here a little bit, so certainly we’re going to lean on Jamaal quite a bit. But, look, we’re going to use Godwin, we’re going to use Jefferson. That’s part of the plan. They’re all going to be able to play. It’s a little bit by committee, but I think you’re going to see a lot of Jamaal Williams."

Lions running back Jamaal Williams throws a ball to a fan during pregame against the Vikings on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Minneapolis.
Lions running back Jamaal Williams throws a ball to a fan during pregame against the Vikings on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Minneapolis.

Right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (concussion) and swing tackle Matt Nelson (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday after missing last week's loss to the Chicago Bears with injuries. Nelson will start at right tackle if Sewell can't play Sunday.

Defensive end Trey Flowers (knee), linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, cornerback Bobby Price and receiver KhaDarel Hodge also missed practice Wednesday.

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Cornerback Jeff Okudah, who has been remained around the team while rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon, watched practice from the side Wednesday without the aid of a walking boot, crutches or a knee scooter.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions to use 'a lot of Jamaal Williams' vs. Vikings