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Detroit Lions: Which running back will get the bulk of the carries?

By Steven Mullenax

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 08: LeGarrette Blount #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-7. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 08: LeGarrette Blount #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-7. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Heading into Detroit Lions training camp, there are unanswered questions about which running back will receive the bulk of the carries this season.

Last year, at this time, it was clear. Running back Ameer Abdullah would receive the bulk of the carries for the Detroit Lions as the unquestioned starter. The season before, Abdullah looked like he was on the precipice of stardom until a foot injury sidelined him in Week Two for the rest of the year.

Yet, Abdullah struggled behind the Lions’ mix-matched offensive line in 2017 that was missing it’s starting left tackle, Taylor Decker, for eight weeks due to a shoulder injury. And one entire side of the O-line, which had recently signed free agents in right guard T.J. Lang and right tackle Rick Wagner, was still adjusting to their new homes.

This offseason, the Lions’ front office decided to attack their running woes head on. They signed veteran running back LeGarrette Blount, hot off his third Super Bowl championship in four years, to a one-year deal.

Then Detroit used their first two selections in the 2018 NFL Draft to obtain Arkansas center Frank Ragnow and Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson respectively. Ragnow is expected to play left guard this upcoming season, cementing the position between Decker and center Graham Glasgow. This is likely the best offensive line the team has had in decades. At least, on paper.

Blount and Johnson join a packed running back room that already features Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington and Zach Zenner. Heading into training camp, the biggest question for this group is who will receive the bulk of the carries this upcoming season.

Although Blount has the accolades and the experience, one Lions’ insider believes it will be Johnson who will become Detroit’s new bell cow.

"“The Lions set Blount’s rushing incentive just beyond what he achieved last year,” wrote Dave Birkett for the Detroit Free Press. “Ultimately, I don’t quite think Blount gets to 767 yards, as I suspect Johnson will get the bulk of the carries. But Blount ran for more than five touchdowns in the 2015-16 seasons and will get plenty of work near the end zone this fall.”"

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Heading into Detroit Lions’ training camp next month, the roles for this running back group seem fairly clear. Kerryon Johnson will have every opportunity to win the starting role. Blount is clearly the short-yardage specialist and insurance in case the rookie is unable to carry the load. Theo Riddick is still the dynamic receiving threat he’s always been. While Ameer Abdullah will try to make a bigger impact as a special teams returner.

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