The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Reggie Bush predicted a month ago that Riddick would have a major role in the Lions' passing game as well as the rushing attack. Another backfield mate, Joique Bell said on Tuesday that Riddick has the potential to be a "Pro Bowler" and a "great running back in this league" if the 2013 sixth-round draft pick continues to develop. "His body is in great shape, probably 7 (percent) body fat," Bell said. "You see his route running from out the backfield, it's really crisp. He looks like a Reggie (Bush)."

Diehards Line: Bell continued: "Just some of the moves you see him do in practice against some of the linebackers. We sit back in the meeting room, we sit back we laugh. He gets them every time with the same move, like you can't stop it. You can't stop it. ..." Backup QB Dan Orlovsky corroborated Bell's account of Riddick as uncoverable in offseason practices. As NFL.com points out, with new OC Joe Lombardi importing the Saints' offense to Detroit, Riddick is expected to play the Darren Sproles role in a three-headed backfield. "I'm telling you, if he doesn't have 50 catches this year, I'll be surprised because he's going to have opportunities and he's very talented at it," Orlovsky said. "I think he's going to play that Sproles role, for sure. ..." That will require a major jump, considering Riddick had fewer snaps (49) than Orlovsky's projected catch total. But Orlovsky insists there are specific packages drawn up to put the ball in Riddick's hands. "He's going to have eight passes a game," Orlovsky said, "whether they're screens, whether they're one-on-ones, whether they're checkdowns, where they're going to be pass plays called for him. ..." All in all, it certainly adds to the intrigue. We'll be watching for more.