Detroit Lions: 3 Players who should be on block at NFL Trade Deadline
By Zac Snyder
Ameer Abdullah
No running back should ever draw comparisons to Barry Sanders. It’s not fair to the player and Barry was and is one of a kind. Case in point: Ameer Abdullah.
Many laughed it off at the time but some did want to compare. Abdullah’s elusiveness and moves in the open field to Sanders. That comparison is even more laughable now as Abdullah has failed to live up to the hype and expectations that came with him being drafted by the Lions out of Nebraska in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
One way or another, it sure feels like his Lions career is winding down as he has been passed over by 2018 second rounder Kerry Johnson and veteran free agent signee LeGarrette Blount. It made sense to keep Abdullah into this season just in case but it is clear he doesn’t have much of a role as we near the middle of the 2018 season. Abdullah started the season on the gameday inactive list and while he has been active with Theo Riddick dealing with an injury, he still isn’t getting much run in the offense.
DET RBs without Theo Riddick again:
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) October 29, 2018
Kerryon Johnson 48 snaps, 32 routes, 8 carries, 8 targets.
LeGarrette Blount 7 snaps, 3 routes, 3 carries, 1 target.
Ameer Abdullah 4 snaps, 3 routes, 0 carries, 1 target.
A key fumble by Abdullah on a kickoff return helped the Seahawks run out to a lead in week eight so it stands to wonder how many more opportunities he will be entrusted with even in a limited special teams role. If Brandon Powell is going to be a regular gameday active from now on he could take over kick return duties and Riddick’s return to the lineup should see Abdullah back on the inactive list.
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For whatever reason, it just hasn’t worked in Detroit for Abdullah. If there is a team out there who still sees the promise maybe there is a deal to be made that sees the Lions unload Abdullah for more than nothing.