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Detroit Lions: Ameer Abdullah out, Tion Green active

By Steven Mullenax

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 31: Tion Green #38 of the Detroit Lions carries the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Buffalo Bills on August 31, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo wins the preseason matchup over Detroit 27-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 31: Tion Green #38 of the Detroit Lions carries the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Buffalo Bills on August 31, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo wins the preseason matchup over Detroit 27-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions will be without their starting running back against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Will this rookie runner step up?

On Sunday morning, with a upcoming battle with the Baltimore Ravens in Maryland on the schedule for this afternoon, the Detroit Lions released their list of inactive players for the pivotal game. Not surprisingly, the Lions’ starting running back, Ameer Abdullah appeared on that list and is out for the important matchup.

Abdullah was listed as questionable on the Lions’ final injury report, having missed practices on both Wednesday and Thursday with a neck injury. The third-year back was able to practice on Friday on a limited bases, but apparently it wasn’t enough for him to earn the nod to play against the Ravens this weekend.

Expect veteran running back Theo Riddick to get the start in place of the injured Abdullah, with Zach Zenner as his back-up, likely getting more of the short-yardage and goal-line carries.

Abdullah isn’t the only running back on the Lions’ inactive list. Dwayne Washington has been dealing with a hip injury for the past couple weeks. And despite being a full participant in practice all week, Detroit opted for Washington to sit out this contest.

With both Abdullah and Washington sidelined, the Lions have made rookie running back Tion Green active for the first time all season. Undrafted out of Cincinnati, Green is a bruiser back who rushed for a total of 81 yards on 21 carries during the preseason. He also pulled off this impressive 74-yard reception for a touchdown.

There’s a possibility that Green could make his regular season debut against the Ravens on Sunday. As the Lions are looking for something or someone to spark their dismal rushing attack, this rookie could be the answer.

Next: How to beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13

Along with both Ameer Abdullah and Dwayne Washington, offensive tackle Emmett Cleary , wide receiver Bradley Marquez, cornerback/returner Jamal Agnew, safety Rolan Milligan and center Travis Swanson were also placed on the Detroit Lions’ inactive list prior to the game.

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