Lions issue challenge to Swift: Know 'difference between being injured and hurt'

Detroit Lions assistant head coach Duce Staley is issuing a challenge to tailback D'Andre Swift.

"We all know there's a difference between being injured and hurt," Staley said, according to Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press. "As soon as you step in this building as a running back, Day 1 training camp, you're not going to feel the same."

Swift missed four games last season after sustaining a shoulder injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 12. The former second-round pick has missed seven games since entering the league in 2020.

"Injuries happen, but one of the things Swift and I had a conversation about is you've got to be able to play through some of these injuries as a running back," Staley added.

Swift led the Lions with 617 rushing yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He also proved to be an option in the passing game with 62 receptions for 452 yards and two scores.

However, due to a combination of injuries and roster decisions, Swift has started just eight of his 26 appearances over the past two years. The Georgia product surpassed 15 carries just once during his 2021 campaign.

Staley, a former NFL running back, understands there's an element of luck to playing the position, given the numerous collisions throughout a season.

Including Swift, the Lions have a young offensive group that features Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark, and T.J. Hockenson.

Alongside Jamaal Williams and behind what the club hopes is a healthy offensive line, Detroit aims to improve its 110.9 rushing yards per game from last season.