Abdullah, Zenner Ready For Possible Increased Roles
By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby
The status of Lions starting running back Joique Bell is in question after he sat out practice on Thursday with an ankle injury. And even if he does get on the field, his ability to inspire confidence in fans is shaky at best. Through three games, he's carried the ball 20 times for only 22 yards and a touchdown.
Bell has also been stuffed on two different two-point conversion plays this season, which – if converted – could have changed the tide of the game.
If Bell cannot play on Monday against the Seahawks – or even if the coaches decide to give away some of his carries - his backups are ready to take the load.
Rookie Ameer Abdullah has had several electrifying plays this year and has an ability to make people miss that perhaps no one else on the team has. And even if he hasn't had as many carries this season (21) as he would like, he said his attitude is no different.
"You've got to keep going," Abdullah said. "I had times in college where I didn't have that many touches, believe it or not. I've been in this situation before. I understand that we have to be better as a team to open up more touches for myself, but also the other running backs."
According to Abdullah, the running backs unit has taken it personally that they've been so unsuccessful this season. Detroit's run game is last in the league at 45 yards per game heading into Week 4.
"I know this week, the running backs are really taking it upon themselves to understand the schemes better to get a better view of what could happen potentially," he said. "That's what we have to do … just holding yourself accountable, watching film."
Should Abdullah's role increase this Monday against Seattle, head coach Jim Caldwell won't be worried.
"He keeps getting better," he said. "Obviously he's doing some things for us on special teams. You can see, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, that's something that you couldn't see a whole lot of in college, but when he got here, you could see that he's got really good hands and he's a worker."
Behind Abdullah on the depth chart is Theo Riddick, who has been more instrumental in the pass game (15 receptions for 144 yards) than in the run game (one carry for five yards). Those 15 receptions are good for second on the team, tied with wide receiver Golden Tate.
And behind Riddick is rookie Zach Zenner, who earned a late roster spot thanks to being the leading rusher in the preseason. Zenner has seen little playing time this season, carrying the ball twice against San Diego in Week 1 for six yards.
"It's the same as it's always been for me," Zenner said of the possibility of a larger role in the offense, should Bell be unable to play Monday. "Whatever they ask me to do, I'm ready. I'm ready to do it."
And the Lions' coaching staff has never been shy about its confidence in Zenner, should the fourth-string running back's name be called.
"If all our running backs wake up Sunday with the flu," said offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. "Zach Zenner could do it all."
