The Detroit Lions 2022 season was the start of the incredible turnaround for this team. Relive the season through the lens of the Top 10 Injury News recap with present day updates.
Here are number three and four on the list. For the full list, visit 2022 Revisited: Lions Top 10 Injury News with Present Updates.
#3 Halapoulivaati Vaitai suspected spinal nerve impingement
During preseason, the Lions lost their starting RG for the year due to a suspected spinal nerve issue. In the video, you can see him tapping his butt and right foot indicating possible neurological symptoms.
Vaitai ended up needing season-ending back surgery to try to address the problem. He was able to return next season but only appeared in six games due to back and knee issues.
2026 UPDATE: Vaitai has not appeared in the NFL since the 2023 season, and his career appears to be over. The Lions RG position appears to be finally stabilized long-term with Tate Ratledge.
#4 D’Andre Swift shoulder separation and ankle sprain
This former Lions’ 2nd-round pick visibly battled through multiple injuries all season, including a shoulder separation and ankle sprain. The health reliability concerns may have caused the Lions to move on, as the team drafted Jahmyr Gibbs and traded Swift in the following draft.
2026 UPDATE: Since leaving the Lions after the 2022 season, Swift elevated his career and has stayed impressively healthy. He had over 1000 yards rushing in 2023 (Eagles) and 2025 (Bears).
It has also worked out well for the Lions since, as Gibbs has been incredibly productive and healthy – only two games missed.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: 2022 Throwback: Detroit Lions Top 10 Injury News – Vaitai & Swift
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire | USA TODAY Network
