Lions Injury Update: Swanson Out, Riddick Doubtful For Sunday
By Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
The Detroit Lions won last week without their starting running back and starting center. They'll likely have to do so this week, too.
Per the team's injury report, Travis Swanson (concussion) is out and Theo Riddick (wrist) is doubtful for Sunday's road game against the New York Giants. Neither player practiced this week.
Riddick's absence last Sunday led to a breakout for Dwayne Washington. In his first career start, the rookie rushed for a career-high 64 yards on 16 carries. Washington will look to build on this momentum versus the Giants, teaming up with Zach Zenner and Joique Bell in the backfield.
Caldwell has seen Washington mature as a runner over the course of the season.
"I do think he's becoming a bit more patient. I do think that he's running behind his pads a little bit better. I think he's improving. I think he's learning how to adapt and play in this league. Every week he has gotten just a little bit better and I fully expect him to certainly show some improvement this week as well," Caldwell said.
Swanson, whose concussion remains a mystery, was replaced by rookie Graham Glasgow at center last week, with Laken Tomlinson taking Glasgow's spot at guard. Barring a late change of plans, expect the same arrangement versus the Giants.
Caldwell was pleased with Glasgow's performance in his first career start at center.
"I thought he played pretty well, young guy playing center, directing traffic a little bit. Making some calls, making some adjustments, wasn't perfect, but overall pretty clean," Caldwell said. "I think he's getting better and better every day that he's having those responsibilities. And those responsibilities really should do that for a young player, kind of lead you to get better and he's taken on that challenge and doing a good job."
Questionable players for Sunday's game are Ezekiel Ansah, Eric Ebron, DeAndre Levy, Darius Slay and Zach Zenner. All five of them practiced on both Thursday and Friday and should be good to go this weekend.
