On Tuesday, September 21st at approximately 8:30 A.M., The Detroit Lions announced that running back Ameer Abdullah will be placed on injured reserve. The undisclosed reason, which likely is related to a foot injury suffered last Sunday, comes as a surprise after initial X-rays came back negative. Abdullah gathered a second opinion on his foot last Monday from Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina. The team was hinting that Abdullah might have escaped his injury without breaking any bones before his visit. Abdullah will mist at least eight games, and possibly the entire season if the injury proves more serious.
Ameer Abdullah Placed On Injured Reserve
Abdullah began his season season on a high note, carrying the weight of the offense with 17 touches (12 on the ground, five in the air) for 120 yards and a touchdown. He averaged over five yards per carry both games. Abdullah was the early down back expected to lead a Lions running attack that has had only one 1,000 yard rusher in the past decade.
The Lions have three running backs available on their roster: Theo Riddick, rookie Dwayne Washington, and the former South Dakota State standout Zach Zenner. Riddick and Washington both have contributed to the running game this year, bolstering 4.6 and 5.3 yards per carry respectively. Zenner, inactive for the first two games of 2016, is expected to be active to compensate.
Detroit will use the extra roster spot for recently signed free agent wide receiver Aaron Dobson. The former second round pick for the New England Patriots has only started 13 games since 2013, amassing 53 receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns. Dobson was released this past September after three injury-ridden seasons with the Patriots.
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