Lions rookie running back Ameer Abdullah created plenty of preseason buzz, but he’s listed as third on the team’s first depth chart of the regular season.
Coaches only make depth charts because they have to, and in many cases they are compiled by teams’ media relations department for use in weekly press releases and gameday flip cards. So, whether Abdullah being listed third was done simply because Joique Bell and Theo Riddick have been on the team before, because he’s truly behind them or just because somebody had to compile and submit a depth chart is something we won’t know until the real games begin.
The Lions play in San Diego Sunday.
Bell, who did not play in the preseason due to knee and Achilles issues, has been the team’s feature back since late in 2013. It’s fair to assume Abdullah was picked to provide an upgrade over Riddick, a third-year player, and eventually to become the feature back. Riddick caught 34 passes in a backup/third-down back role last year.
Abdullah could also be an immediate contributor in the return game. The Lions listed second-year player T.J. Jones as the first punt returner and kick returner, but Abdullah and Golden Tate figure to be in the punt return mix.
Abdullah averaged 6.8 yards per carry on 12 preseason carries and also caught one pass for 21 yards.
