Fantasy Football Player Notes

The draft capital the Lions spent on Swift suggested that he'd take the lion's share of the running back touches in Detroit even with the presence of Adrian Peterson. But Swift has battled injury and missed two weeks of practice heading into the season, and word is that the Detroit coaching staff preferred a committee approach to the backfield. With the Lions now signing Adrian Peterson, it's hard to see Swift getting a big workload early on even if he is healthy. He'll likely eventually be the back you want to roster in Detroit and should certainly be drafted as a low-end Flex play, but be prepared to ride with other options for the first several weeks of the season.

Hockenson battled injuries throughout his rookie season bit is extremely talented, seeing a high average depth of target and more than a 14% target share. He's a potential breakout candidate but there's been some pessimism on his recovery from his ankle injury, and he admitted at the start of camp that he's not 100%. Monitor his progress but unless he's fully recovered, he's not worth drafting against other TE2s going in the same area, such as Jonnu Smith and Jack Doyle.

Jones has barely been involved in the Lions offense through four weeks, and with a bye week on tap, he can be dropped in most leagues. With few targets and an offense that lacks explosiveness, it is doubtful that Jones can work himself into startable territory again.

Peterson had a great first game with the Lions, dominating the carries and factoring into the passing game. Eventually, D'Andre Swift should take over the lead role, but for now, expect Peterson to lead the backfield in touches. That's not the mot desirable situation for fantasy, but it's also not something that can be entirely ignored. Add Peterson if he's available and start him if you're utterly desperate.

Golladay is week-to-week with a hip injury he sustained in Week 8. The exact nature and severity of the ailment isn't known, but for now, fantasy managers should expect to be without the receiver for at least Week 9, and likely longer.