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Detroit Lions: Ameer Abdullah actually training this offseason

By Steven Mullenax

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Running back Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions avoids a tackle by free safety Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers as he scores a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on September 13, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Running back Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions avoids a tackle by free safety Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers as he scores a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on September 13, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /
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Will getting an opportunity to actually train during the offseason make a difference for Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah in 2018?

The Detroit Lions placed a lot of faith in Ameer Abdullah. As a second round pick in 2015 after a prolific college career at Nebraska, Abdullah was supposed to carry the torch as the next great running back in Detroit.

After a solid rookie season, where he recorded 597 rushing yards and scored three total touchdowns, the future looked bright for the former Cornhusker in the Motor City. Then a foot injury robbed Abdullah of nearly his entire sophomore campaign.

Despite coming back from a devastating Lisfranc injury, the Lions entrusted their entire rushing offense to Abdullah in 2017. Detroit’s front office did signed two veterans via free agency in right tackle Rick Wagner and right guard T.J. Lang to solidify the offensive line in front of him. But they opted to leave the running back depth chart virtually untouched.

That was a mistake that ultimately cost head coach Jim Caldwell his job. Abdullah struggled last season, rushing for 552 yards and four touchdowns in 11 starts. His 3.3 yards per carry average was one of the lowest among NFL starting running backs. And the Lions fielded the worst rushing attack in the league.

This offseason, the Lions’ brass finally sprung into action. They signed veteran running back LeGarrette Blount, fresh of his Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles. Then they traded up in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft to obtain Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson.

Now, no one is talking about Abdullah as the starting running back in Detroit. In fact, when his name comes up it’s more likely about his ability as a special teams returner than a offensive weapon. But for Abdullah, this offseason is the first time he’s been able to really physically prepare in the offseason in the past two years because of injuries.

"“This is the first offseason I’ve actually had to train,” Abdullah told the Detroit Free Press in April. “My body feels as good as it’s felt since I’ve been here, so I think that’s the most important thing. I’ve had an unfortunate streak of two injuries in a row. Coming back from those have been tough in their own respect, but I’m glad I’m all the way back.”"

Following his rookie year, Abdullah had shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum that limited him in the offseason. And, of course last year, Ameer was still attempting to recover from his devastating foot injury.

Next: Was the NFL’s ranking of Matthew Stafford fair?

Ameer Abdullah is in the final year of his rookie deal in Detroit. He is scheduled to be a free agent in 2019. That means Abdullah needs to have a big season for the Lions to prove he belongs or to earn a lucrative opportunity elsewhere.

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