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Detroit Lions: Expectations for Ameer Abdullah in 2018

By Forrester Solmen

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions is tackled in the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions is tackled in the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Since being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2015, Ameer Abdullah hasn’t lived up to his second round billing. How will 2018 turn out?

Ex-Nebraska Cornhusker Ameer Abdullah is familiar with the lead running back role. However, since coming to the Detroit Lions, things haven’t panned out the way he would’ve hoped.

Recently expressed frustrations from Abdullah put into prospective how bad things were with former head coach Jim Caldwell and former offensive line coach Ron Prince at the helm. Circumstances weren’t ideal and aren’t once again heading into this season.

The coaching upgrades of Matt Patricia (HC) and Jeff Davidson (OL) and a healthier and improved offensive line gives Abdullah a great shot at finally looking like a solid draft pick. Only problem, more like two, is the offseason additions of LeGarrette Blount in free agency and Kerryon Johnson in the second round of this year’s draft.

Also, pass catching duties are mostly reserved for Theo Riddick. This leaves Abdullah with limited to no action.

Assuming Riddick is on the roster Week 1, what role can he possibly carve out? The answer lies not on offense, but on special teams, where the fourth year runner can do major damage on kick returns.

As the primary kick returner his rookie season, Abdullah lead the NFL in kick return yards with 1,077 and boasted a healthy 29.1 yards per return average. After a week 14 benching last season, he was once again the best kick returner on the team (179 yards, 22.4 average).

Getting any running back into a rhythm with enough touches is the best way to maximize their talents. If this new regime doesn’t buy into Abdullah or he doesn’t find his way to the top of the depth chart somehow, he’s stuck in a committee with uncertainty of when he’ll get in the game.

Next: Detroit Lions: 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time

A nasty foot injury in 2016 robbed him of his explosiveness in 2017. I anticipate him returning to his old self and expect a healthy amount of touches, primarily returning the football on kickoffs.

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