Lions rookie RB D'Andre Swift out for Panthers game with concussion

The news that fans of the Detroit Lions feared ahead of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers arrived on Friday afternoon. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that Detroit rookie running back D'Andre Swift won't play this weekend. Reports surfaced on Thursday that the 21-year-old was in the concussion protocol.

It's a tough break for the first-year pro who had recently emerged as Detroit's top backfield option and a fantasy football must-start. Swift accumulated 81 rushing yards on a career-high 16 carries with five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in last Sunday's 30-27 victory over the Washington Football Team, and he had risen above both Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson on the depth chart. 

Peterson, a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, will likely resume his role as Detroit's top ball-carrier. He leads the Lions with 371 rushing yards and 97 attempts, and he's found the end zone twice. 

Johnson, meanwhile, has recorded 112 yards and a score on 30 carries. He also has a receiving TD this year. 

Earlier in the day, the Panthers ruled All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey out due to the shoulder injury he suffered in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 8. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is dealing with an MCL sprain and will be a game-time decision.