The Facts: While the Lions envision having a backfield by committee this year, with no fewer than four players in the mix for touches, RBs coach David Walker said there is a 1,000-yard back (or two) in their midst. "I think we got guys if the situation (presents itself)," Walker said. "If you handed the ball to Ameer 250 times, he's going to get you 1,000 yards. So we'll just see if we get there."
Diehards Line:
Indeed, the Lions are banking on a bounce back season from Abdullah this fall to help lift their 2016 30th-ranked rushing attack back to a level of respectability. ... Abdullah played just six quarters last fall before suffering a foot injury that required Lisfranc surgery, but he showed in brief flashes the ability to be a difference-making running back. In 18 carries last year, Abdullah totaled 101 yards rushing. Remember: Both Abdullah and Theo Riddick are returning from season-ending surgeries -- Riddick underwent double-wrist surgery and was limited to 10 games last year -- and the Lions have worked them cautiously back into the mix this summer and clearly the team believes they have a potent tandem. But make no mistake: "Ameer’s our guy," Walker said. "Theo has his role, and then the other guys, they got to kind of fit where they fit and that’s how we’ll go."