The Detroit Lions have some position battles headlining training camp this year as the team aims to return to the playoffs in 2015. The past few years have been down for the Lions, but the team has plenty of confidence heading into the new season. However, injuries are what could derail those goals from happening as potential starting running back Joique Bell begins the year injured.
The Lions let Reggie Bush go in free agency in hopes that Bell could step up in his place while drafting Ameer Abdullah. The two running backs are expected to battle it out for the starting job and the rookie might start getting the upper hand as Bell begins the year on the physically unable to perform list. According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com, the running back is recovering from injuries suffered last season. It is unclear the exact issue, but Bell did have problems with his knee and Achilles tendon last year.
This is not ideal for the running back who is competing for a starting job. Bell had a solid season in 2014 with 860 yards and seven touchdowns while splitting time with Bush. Now, Abdullah steps into his spot looking to claim it for himself. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Abdullah has all of the talent to unseat Bell from the starting spot as he could begin to gain momentum with the veteran's injury.
"Yes, Abdullah has the potential to be the Lions' primary running back," Birkett said, via the Free Press. "That's why they spent a second-round pick on him. He showed better hands than expected during OTAs and minicamp, but really they want him to be the home-run threat they've been missing from their backfield, a Reggie Bush of sorts to pair with Joique Bell. I would expect Bell to start at running back this year, at least early on, but the job will be Abdullah's before long."
The Lions have a lot of battles taking place in practice this year. Eric Ebron will be competing with Brandon Pettigrew after he failed to really develop in his rookie year. Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate will headline the wide receiver group, but after them are a lot of question marks. Jeremy Ross, Lance Moore and Corey Fuller are all fighting to make the final roster in order to help Stafford. Tate told the media that he has full confidence in the team Detroit has to really contend in 2015.
"This is not a new beginning for us," Tate said, via ESPN.com. "We're going to continue where we left off and start building from there. Try to have the best offseason we possibly can and I think most guys have done that. We're way more advanced for where we are as a team."