The Detroit Lions open training camp on Aug. 3 and with it, the 2015 season will commence. In a change from most seasons, the Lions are coming off a playoff berth and one of the best seasons in franchise history.
Can the Lions repeat that? Each day from now until training camp, we will look at one position group to prepare for the 2015 season.
Position: Running back
Starter: Joique Bell, Michael Burton (FB)
Backups: Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, George Winn, Zach Zenner, Desmond Martin, Emil Igwenagu (FB)
Position status: Somewhat in flux
Position thoughts: There are more questions surrounding this position than there probably should be with the Lions considering they used a second-round pick on Abdullah. He is the running back of the future in Detroit, but in the present, the Lions appear to once again want to use a platoon system. That failed last season due to consistent injuries to the since-released Reggie Bush, but that would appear to be the plan.
If that happens, Detroit has three running backs who can fit various roles well enough to turn into a complete running back group. Bell is a between-the-tackles rusher who can catch passes. At least in college, Abdullah was a speedy one-cut back who can be a playmaker, but he could have a learning curve in the NFL. Riddick seems destined for a third down/two-minute role again this season after the drafting of Abdullah.
While it might go against theory, if the Lions can find a veteran they feel good about, it might be worth bringing him into camp – especially if he is more of a power rusher. It could both take work off Bell in the preseason and give Detroit another option in case Bell isn’t ready to go.
What the Lions need to see in camp: A healthy Bell, to start with. He missed most of last spring’s workouts recovering from an injury and had the best statistical season of his career, but there seems to be more concern this time around with Bell. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said during OTAs that while the team expects Bell to fully recover from his knee and Achilles injuries from last season, there is concern until they see him back on the field. So start there. Detroit needs to see Abdullah hold on to the ball in camp – fumbling was an issue in college. Any rushing production from Riddick would be a bonus as he’s primarily a pass catcher. Whoever has the best special teams performance of Winn, Zenner and Martin is the likely fourth back.
Who ends up on the roster: Bell, Abdullah, Riddick, Winn, Burton.