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Detroit Lions: 4 depth options at running back

By Jeremy Friedrichs

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 14: Running Back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins takes the field prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 14: Running Back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins takes the field prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images
Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images /

The Detroit Lions have a promising young running back in Kerryon Johnson, but he needs help. Here are some possible depth targets for the 2019 offseason.

With a concerted effort, the Detroit Lions managed to pull themselves out of the NFL’s rushing cellar last season. 2017 saw the Lions finish dead last in total rushing yards (1,221) and tied for last place in yards per attempt (3.4) with the Arizona Cardinals.

General manager Bob Quinn knew that changes were needed. And changes were made. The Lions’ first two selections in the 2018 draft – right guard Frank Ragnow and running back Kerryon Johnson – certainly paid dividends.

They managed to help the Lions improve their total rushing output by over 400 yards, and lift their yards per attempt average to over 4.0 for the first time since the 2012 season. These two will clearly be the key pieces for continued improvement on the ground under new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

The work is far from done, though. Kerryon Johnson’s season-ending knee injury suffered in a Week 11 win over the Carolina Panthers underscored the importance of having a viable stable of backups to help lighten his load or step in should his injury concerns crop up again.

Now let’s take a look at the other running backs on the roster …

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