Before his signing with the Dolphins, the Lions took interest in free agent RB Arian Foster. An injury-prone running back who has shown flashes of brilliance that could help spark the Lions backfield that is struggling to find its identity. Being honest, not only is Arian injury-prone he is also not a scheme fit for the new system in Detroit and him signing with the ZBS in Miami leaves Detroit in search for another option at the running back position.
After sitting out 2015 with yet another knee injury, the former Broncos first-round pick Knowshon Moreno looks to make a return to the NFL in 2016. While injury-prone, Moreno is well rounded, an above average pass protector, and has excellent hands out of the backfield. Knowshon is a downhill runner who always has his legs moving to gain the hard yards.
During his tenure in Denver, Moreno’s best season came in 2013 where he had 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns. This came on a season where he was ruled out as a starter that preseason and was relegated to the practice squad a year before. Moreno has the attitude every coach loves and strives to win. Unfortunately, Moreno only played a full 16 games in just two of his six seasons in the NFL. Oh, and did I mention, one of the coaches of that 2013 Broncos offense, was Jim Bob Cooter.
If history and success with Jim Bob Cooter wasn’t enough, I am sure Bob Quinn remembers Moreno from his games against New England where he went for 154 yards and a touchdown in 2014, and the 2013 performance of 224 yards and a touchdown.
Moreno is not a guaranteed roster spot, but he is a capable, well-rounded veteran who can gain the hard yards who could have value in the running back corps of Detroit. While injuries may be a liability, Moreno has a skill set more valuable than Stevan Ridley and Zach Zenner could be developed without being relied on too early in his career.
Ameer has the role as workhorse back with Theo being a third-down receiving option. Moreno is a back who can get goal line touches as well as fill in both Riddick’s and Abdullah’s roles. If injury prone running backs are untouchable, then Arian Foster wouldn’t have been signed. I don’t expect Moreno to mirror 2013, but the committee in Detroit lacks a pass protector and down hill running back, which is exactly what Moreno is.