“Lions RB Ameer Abdullah: It’s now or never for Abdullah, the previous regime’s second-round pick, felled by a season-ending foot injury as a sophomore in Week 2. Yet it’s hard not to be impressed with his 4.3-yard career average — especially considering the Lions run game collectively has mustered a 3.8-yard per carry clip since he entered the league. Detroit’s offensive line has gone from major weakness to potential strength in the span of just more than 12 months, and rather than tap into a rich RB draft, Bob Quinn and Jim Caldwell stood pat, reaffirming their confidence in Abdullah —easily the best pedigreed runner in a backfield in need of an earnest emergence. Theo Riddick is a passing down stud, and Abdullah likely isn’t the between-the-tackles answer Detroit desperately seeks, but he’s healthy, finally, still dynamic and his table is ready. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)”
