| Detroit Free Press
Debating the Darrell Bevell narrative and the Detroit Lions’ future
Good-natured debate on the Darrell Bevell narrative after the Lions’ comeback over Bears, Matt Patricia’s culture and what’s next, Dec. 8, 2020.
D’Andre Swift continues to make progress in his return to play, with Detroit Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell saying that Wednesday “was one of the better days” Swift had since he suffered a brain injury last month.
“I liked where he was at,” Bevell said. “Got to see how he progresses through (Thursday) in terms of all the meetings and things that we go through first, and then we’ll get him back out there on the field and see the carryover.”
Swift has not played since a Nov. 15 win over Washington, when he had 149 yards from scrimmage, but could return for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers if he avoids any setbacks.
Swift reported concussion symptoms days after the Washington game, missed two games while in the NFL’s concussion protocols and still was dealing with headaches when he was held out of last week’s win over the Chicago Bears with what the team termed a non-COVID-19-related illness.
The Lions’ starting running back at the time of his injury, Swift could return to that role if he plays against the Packers.
Adrian Peterson has started the past three games in Swift’s absence, and third-string back Kerryon Johnson was limited in practice Wednesday by a knee injury.
Johnson returned to full practice Thursday, while Swift remained limited.
“If we were talking last week, he would have only had an opportunity to maybe get a little bit of reps at the very end of the week,” Bevell said. “So I think it all depends on the day, how much practice he was able to have during that week because you put different parts of the game plan in. If you only get to practice on the end of the week on a Friday, then it’s probably going to be a little bit more of a limited role. If you get a full week’s practice, then there’s going to be, obviously, more opportunity for you to do more.”
Kenny Golladay (hip), Tyrell Crosby (ankle) and Jeff Okudah (groin) remain out for the Lions.
Trey Flowers honored
Defensive end Trey Flowers is the Lions’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. The award is given annually to an NFL player who demonstrates outstanding community service off the field and excellence on it. Flowers, who is currently on injured reserve, led several of the Lions’ voting rights initiatives this offseason and awarded $5,000 in scholarships to students near his hometown of Huntsville, Ala., though his charity.
“Couldn’t be happier for a guy that does so much for our team in a lot of ways,” Bevell said. “I know he’s very active in his community. He’s also active here in Detroit. He’s really been a little bit more of an outspoken leader here, particularly this spring in terms of social injustices and things that were happening. I mean, he really kind of stepped forward. He’s not a man of a lot of words, but when he spoke up, a lot of the guys were listening. So it’s great to see him get that recognition that he deserves.”
All 32 Man of the Year nominees receive a $40,000 donation in their name to their charity of choice. The winner receives a $250,000 donation and will be announced during Super Bowl week.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.