The Detroit Lions drafted Ameer Abdullah to be the future of the run game. So far this season that has not come to fruition as the rookie continues to struggle with fumbles and inconsistencies. With the Lions preparing to undergo a number of changes next offseason, they need to get a better look at the players that could be around for the future and they hope increased responsibility to Abdullah gets the running back moving in a better direction.
According to offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, the Lions want to increase the role of Abdullah heading into Week 10. The run game for the Lions has been struggling as they rank near the bottom of the league with the rookie acquiring just 225 yards on the season so far. After just one touch of the football in Week 8, Cooter told the Detroit Free Press that it will change as he battles with Joique Bell and Theo Riddick for time on the field.
"Ameer's role will be growing," Cooter said Thursday, per the Detroit Free Press. "Every game's a little different, and I think some games you'll see him with the ball in his hands a little bit more, some games (you'll see) Joique (Bell) and (Theo) Riddick. I think you'll see them carry it some, as well. So it just kind of depends on the ball game as to how we approach it."
The Lions need some kind of spark as they prepare to face off against the Green Bay Packers. If Abdullah can find some consistency in his play, he has a chance to be that spark alongside emerging talent like Eric Ebron. The running back gave no hints as to what he will be going against the Packers, but even simple mistakes have not hurt his confidence going forward.
"At the end the end of the day, I know I'm one of the better playmakers on this team," said Abdullah, via the Free Press. "So I just got to do a better job of staying on the field and making sure I'm helping my team, 'cause when I'm not on the field I'm not helping out and they need playmakers on the field and I am a playmaker."
The Lions have some question marks heading into the Week 10 game. Calvin Johnson has reportedly been dealing with ankle injury that caused him to miss practice. According to the Free Press, Johnson missed practice on Friday, but is still expected to play. That could make players like Ebron and Golden Tate very important in Week 10 if the receiver is limited.
Feeling pretty good right now," Johnson said, via the Detroit Free Press. "Got a lot of good work done to it in the down time . Getting that thing back to feeling good, so overall good."