Who’s the odd man out in the Detroit Lions’ offensive backfield?

Player: Zach Zenner
Height/Weight: 5-11, 221
2018 statistics: 8 games played, 265 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns
2019 base salary: $805,000
Contract Status: Signed through 2019

Zenner continues to defy the odds and carve out a role for himself season after season. Through injuries to other running backs, steady production and special teams reliability, “Doc” has become a fan favorite, and a trusty depth player for the Lions since debuting in 2015.

Zenner didn’t see any game action until Week 9 last season partly due to a back injury, but he finished the season strong in Kerryon Johnson’s absence. Over 2018’s final four games, Zenner averaged nearly 4.8 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns. Nothing show-stopping, but good production from an end-of-the-bench running back.

Zenner figures to have much of the same role this season barring an injury to one of the backs ahead of him on the depth chart. What does set him apart is his special teams prowess. In his eight games last year, he averaged over 17 special teams snaps per game, or almost 65 percent of the Lions’ special teams snaps over that span. Once again, reliable.

That may not be enough to keep Zenner on the roster, particularly if another depth back offers some of the same qualities as him. However, the Lions are obviously comfortable with Zenner, and should feel confident knowing that he’ll be in camp, ready to fill a variety of roles for year number five.

Chances of making the 53-man roster: 65 percent