Jamaal Williams or Craig Reynolds: Who Will Replace D'Andre Swift After Shoulder Injury?

The Detroit Lions lost more than just a two-score lead on Sunday to fall to 1-2 on the season. They also lost star running back, D’Andre Swift, who was injured against the Minnesota Vikings. 

It’s a major blow for Detroit’s offense, as Swift is an elite playmaker out of the backfield, especially in the team’s passing game. The Lions ended up losing in Week 3, despite holding an early lead on Minnesota, and a big reason why was the team’s offensive struggles in the second half. 

With Swift likely out of the lineup, fantasy owners and NFL bettors have a bit of a conundrum when looking at the Lions. Do you trust power back Jamaal Williams to fill in the lead role? Or is there value in taking a shot on Craig Reynolds as an anytime touchdown scorer in Week 4?

Let’s dive into who you should target if Swift misses significant time.

Jamaal Williams Poised to Be Lead Back in Detroit

Williams had a role in the Lions’ offense even when Swift was healthy, and he saw 22 touches in Week 3, carrying the ball 20 times for 87 yards and two scores. He added two catches for 20 yards. 

If Williams is available in your fantasy league, he’s a must-add this week. If you are a prop bettor, Williams already has four touchdowns this season, so he is certainly worth a shot as an anytime scorer, especially if he’s at plus money. 

Based on Williams’ usage in Week 3, we can also assume he will have high rushing attempts and rushing yard props, unless Reynolds mixes in more than he did against the Vikings. 

Reynolds had six carries for 13 yards in Week 3, adding one catch for five yards. Williams can handle the lead role for the Lions, but don’t be surprised if he loses a few touches to Reynolds to keep him fresh. 

Don’t forget, Reynolds had a monster game in his first career start last season. 

The Lions have been a high-powered offense this season, but there’s no doubt that Williams is the more trustworthy option with Swift out, as he’s proven to have prop value even when Swift is in the lineup.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.