If there's one reason to watch the Lions the rest of the year, it's D'Andre Swift. That's assuming he plays, of course.
The rookie running back has been sidelined for the past two games due to a concussion, the cause of which still hasn't been made clear.
But interim head coach Darrell Bevell said Wednesday that Swift is nearing a return.
"I think he's close," Bevell said. "It's really hard to say. It's kind of been a little bit up-and-down for him. Each day's a little bit different as we come in. It's progressing so far -- take him through it, then see the next day how he reacts to it. Some days there's a step forward, some days it's, 'OK, I've got to stay here at this level,' and we'll continue to work from there."
Swift did practice last week, but the Lions didn't hold any contact practices as they prepared to play on short rest. So it's hard to say what that means for Swift's progression through concussion protocol.
In order to clear protocol, he must participate in a full-speed workout without showing any symptoms, then must participate in a full-contact practice without showing any symptoms. Then he must be cleared by an independent neurologist.
Hopefully, Swift will be back on the field for Sunday's game against the Bears. The backfield is his once he returns.
The outlook isn't as promising for Kenny Golladay, who's missed the last four games with a hamstring injury. Bevell said Golladay will not practice on Wednesday.
"We're pushing him, and he's pushing himself," Bevell said. "Like I said, it's a day-in, day-out thing."
Golladay returned to practice two weeks ago, only to be sidelined again the following day. The same thing happened last week.
"I don't know if you want to say 'setbacks,' I wouldn't use that word," said Bevell. "I would just say that you have to see how the body reacts the next day."
The Lions could use Golladay back in the lineup. They're 1-6 this season when he misses time.
Elsewhere on the injury front, the Lions placed two defensive starters on injured reserve Wednesday: CB Desmond Trufant and DT Danny Shelton. Trufant has battled a hamstring injury throughout the season. There's a chance both players will be out for the year.
Bevell also announced that CB Jeff Okudah, who missed last week's game with a shoulder injury, will not practice Wednesday.
