Gets work as kick returner

Abdullah had one reception for ten yards on his only target in Sunday's loss at Chicago. He also returned two kickoffs for an average of 28.5 yards.

Analysis: He played just one snap on offense, and he'll be mostly limited to special teams as long as Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray are healthy. Still, it's notable that he got time on offense while No. 4 RB Mike Boone was inactive.

Lands in Minnesota

Abdullah was claimed off waivers by the Vikings on Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Abdullah will stay in the NFC North, joining a backfield that already includes Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray. The 2015 second-round pick isn't likely to be an immediate factor in the offense, but he could get a look on kickoff returns. There's no guarantee Abdullah sticks around for long, as the Vikings may view him as nothing more than short-term depth while Roc Thomas recovers from a hamstring injury.

Cut loose by Detroit

The Lions are expected to waive Abdullah on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Detroit will bid adieu to its 2015 second-round pick as it makes room on the 53-man roster for receiver Bruce Ellington. Abdullah made 22 starts during his three-plus-year run in Detroit, but the 25-year-old averaged just 3.8 yards per carry while also dealing with some ball-security issues. The offseason additions of Kerryon Johnson and LeGarrette Blount had pushed Abdullah down to fourth on the depth chart at running back in 2018, with Abdullah suiting up in just three of the Lions' eight…read more

Returns to inactive status

Abdullah (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game at Minnesota.

Analysis: Abdullah has put an end to a three-game active streak, during which he recorded three touches for 19 yards from scrimmage and fumbled one time on his four kickoff returns. The latter may have played a part in Abdullah donning street clothes Sunday, but the real impetus likely is Theo Riddick (knee) returning from a two-game absence.

Fumbles on kickoff return

Abdullah didn't receive a carry but logged six yards on his lone reception and 77 yards with a fumble on three kickoff returns during Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Seahawks.

Analysis: Suiting up for the third consecutive game, Abdullah again had minimal offensive responsibilities despite Theo Riddick's (knee) continued absence. However, the fourth-year Nebraska product is showing well in his new role as the team's primary kickoff returner, averaging a solid 26.8 yards per return on his four attempts this year -- only five players with at least eight attempts in 2018 have done better. While Abdullah also lost a fumble on his first return attempt, the fact coach Matt Patricia…read more

Returns to full practice

Abdullah (ankle) practiced fully Thursday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Analysis: The unrestricted practice likely puts Abdullah in no danger of missing Sunday's game against the Seahawks. With Theo Riddick (knee) sitting out sessions Wednesday and Thursday and trending toward a second straight absence this weekend, Abdullah will likely dress as the Lions' third running back once again. That role didn't bear much fruit in the Week 7 win over the Dolphins, as Abdullah produced just 13 yards from scrimmage on two touches while working behind Kerryon Johnson and LeGarrette…read more

Nursing ankle injury

Abdullah was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Abdullah played his first offensive snaps of the season during Detroit's win over the Dolphins in Week 7, gaining a yard on his lone carry and hauling in a 12-yard reception. If Theo Riddick (knee) is again sidelined Week 8 against the Seahawks, Abdullah would likely have a small role on offense behind rookie Kerryon Johnson and veteran LeGarrette Bount. In order for that to materialize, however, Abdullah must prove that his own injury isn't a concern.

Logs first offensive snaps of season

Abdullah rushed once for one yard and caught his only target for 12 receiving yards during Sunday's 32-21 victory over Miami.

Analysis: Abdullah saw his first offensive snaps of the season Sunday with Theo Riddick (knee) unavailable to play, but the Lions didn't use him as a direct replacement for Riddick on obvious passing downs. Instead, rookie Kerryon Johnson predictably saw a slightly expanded workload while LeGarrette Blount remained in the same complementary, early-down role the veteran bruiser has been in all year. Even if Riddick remains sidelined in Week 8, don't expect Abdullah to see a significant uptick in usage…read more

Could have offensive role in Week 7

Abdullah could earn some snaps out of the Lions' backfield in Week 7 against the Dolphins with Theo Riddick (knee) ruled out, Tim Twentyman of Detroit's official site reports.

Analysis: With the top three options on the depth chart at running back all staying healthy through the first five games, Abdullah has been inactive for all but one of those contests, with all of his snaps coming on special teams in the lone appearance. Now without the services of their top pass-catching back coming off a bye week, the Lions suddenly have a need for another option to complement dynamic rookie Kerryon Johnson and power back LeGarrette Blount. Though he struggled to produce as a runner…read more

Returns kickoff in win over Packers

Abdullah logged 30 yards on his lone kickoff return during Sunday's 31-23 victory over the Packers.

Analysis: Abdullah was active for the first time all season, and he didn't see any involvement on offense. However, Abdullah could be active for additional games in the near future if running back Kerryon Johnson (ankle) or return specialist Jamal Agnew (knee) are still tending to injury after Detroit's Week 6 bye.

Inactive in Week 1

Abdullah (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Jets, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Analysis: The Lions will thus rely upon a trio of LeGarrette Blount, Kerryon Johnson and Theo Riddick to shoulder the workload out of the backfield. With Brandon Powell also a healthy scratch, look for Jamal Agnew to handle returns on both punts and kickoffs.

Facing sketchy playing-time outlook

Despite making the Lions' 53-man roster, Abdullah isn't certain to be active for most game days this season, Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: Abdullah currently sits No. 4 on the depth chart behind LeGarrette Blount, Kerryon Johnson and Theo Riddick, and the Nebraska product doesn't offer anything the others can't provide from a rushing, blocking or receiving standpoint. With Jamal Agnew already around to handle punt returns, that leaves Abdullah without a clear path toward anything but a role as a return man on kickoffs. Since Agnew could also serve in that capacity, it wouldn't be surprising if Abdullah is made a healthy scratch on…read more

Sticks on roster

Abdullah has a spot on Detroit's initial 53-man roster, MLive.com's Kyle Meinke reports.

Analysis: The 2015 second-round pick likely will stay in Detroit for the final year of his rookie contract, though it's still possible he could be waived if the team wants to add help at another position. Abdullah doesn't figure to get many touches in a backfield with LeGarrette Blount, Kerryon Johnson and Theo Riddick soaking up snaps.

Fails to capitalize

Abdullah didn't make a good impression as the starting running back in Friday's preseason loss to the Giants, MLive.com's Kyle Meinke reports.

Analysis: Meinke speculates that the Lions may have been showcasing Abdullah for a potential trade, considering there isn't much evidence of the fourth-year back being a real threat to LeGarrette Blount, Kerryon Johnson and Theo Riddick. Whatever the case, Abdullah didn't make a good argument for himself Friday, with his work including a botched handoff and a muffed kickoff. He managed just five yards from three touches on offense and 19 yards on two kick returns, taking a clear step back from his solid…read more

Opens preseason as starting kick returner

Abdullah is listed as the first-string kick returner on the Lions' initial depth chart.

Analysis: Teammate Jamal Agnew earned first-team All-Pro honors as a specialist last season, but he was far more effective returning punts than kickoffs, where he averaged just 17.9 yards per attempt. Abdullah, on the other hand, was a force as a kick returner during his rookie year when he finished first in the league with 1,077 yards and second with a 29.1-yard average, so it's not a huge surprise that Abdullah has surpassed Agnew on the depth chart in that phase of the game. While his roster spot…read more

General manager Bob Quinn said Abdullah will have to compete for his snaps ahead of the 2018 season, Michael Rothstein of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Abdullah has failed to spark the Lions' dormant run game since the team made him a second-round pick in 2014. In an effort to turn the tide, Detroit bolstered the depth chart by signing LeGarrette Blount in free agency before adding Kerryon Johnson out of Auburn in the second round of this year's draft. With Johnson having the skills to be a featured back, Blount the most fit for goal-line work, and holdover Theo Riddick a standout receiver, Abdullah seems to be on the outside looking in. In…read more

Abdullah has had a full offseason to train for the first time in his career, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "Definitely ready for a big year," the running back recently said. "My body feels as good as it's felt since I've been here, so I think that's the most important thing. I've had an unfortunate streak of two injuries in a row. Coming back from those have been tough in their own respect, but I'm glad I'm all the way back."

Analysis: Abdullah, who entered the league in 2015, needed surgery to repair a torn labrum after his rookie year and then missed a good chunk of the 2017 offseason recovering from a Lisfranc injury he suffered two games into the 2016 campaign. Abdullah's also the owner of a career 3.8 YPC mark and has currently fallen to No. 3 on the depth chart after starting 2017 in the lead role. It's difficult to gauge how much blame for his professional struggles is due to this lack of offseason availability, but…read more

Lions general manager Bob Quinn said he has big hopes for Abdullah in 2018, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Abdullah lost work to undrafted rookie Tion Green down the stretch last season, taking only 15 carries over the final three weeks after returning from a two-game absence due to a neck injury amidst rumors he was essentially a healthy scratch for the second game. The 2015 second-round pick has never lived up to expectations, and the Lions' recent signing of LeGarrette Blount hints at something quite different from what Quinn said Tuesday when asked about Abdullah. With Theo Riddick locked in on…read more

Abdullah will need to prove himself to the Lions' new coaching staff, ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein reports.

Analysis: Lions general manager Bob Quinn seemed to acknowledge that Abdullah isn't a special talent, but Quinn nonetheless is hopeful the 2015 second-round pick can be a productive part of the team's 2018 backfield. Abdullah managed just 552 yards on 165 carries (3.3 average) and 162 yards on 25 catches (6.5 average) last season, but he at least managed to play 14 games after logging just two appearances the previous year. With Theo Riddick locked in on passing downs, Abdullah could find his roster…read more

Abdullah carried eight times for 18 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 35-11 victory over Green Bay. He also brought in one of two targets for 11 yards.

Analysis: Abdullah -- again rotating in behind Theo Riddick (ribs) and rookie Tion Green -- did little to nothing before scampering for a seven-yard touchdown in garbage time, averaging just 1.6 yards on his seven other totes. He didn't get many opportunities, though, as the Nebraska product has barely played these last three games with Detroit management opting to give Green an extended look. Neither tailback has lit the world on fire, but Abdullah produced just 3.36 yards per carry in the 11 games he…read more

Abdullah rushed six times for 21 yards while catching one of two targets for five yards during Sunday's 26-17 loss to the Bengals.

Analysis: Abdullah saw just 11 snaps compared to 40 for Theo Riddick and 13 for Tion Green. He didn't make the most of his opportunities, either, and now owns 3.4 yards-per-carry average on the season. We expect him to remain the Lions' No. 3 runner in the season finale Sunday against the Packers.

Abdullah rushed once for eight yards during Saturday's 20-10 victory over the Bears. He also turned three of four targets into 18 yards.

Analysis: Abdullah logged eight offensive snaps compared to 33 for Theo Riddick (wrist) and 23 for Tion Green. The latter two saw eight and 10 carries, respectively. This all comes after days of speculation that Abdullah was a healthy scratch last week against Tampa Bay. While it's possible the Lions are easing him back from his neck injury, which are treated cautiously in today's age, there seems to be a real case for the Lions having found a rushing attack they can rely on. On 150 carries across 11…read more

Abdullah is listed as active Saturday against the Bears, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Analysis: Abdullah was a legitimate inactive Week 13 due to a neck issue, but there were rumblings he was healthy enough to suit up last Sunday in Tampa Bay, when he logged a second consecutive DNP. Upon his return Saturday, it'll be interesting to see if he supplants Theo Riddick or even Tion Green in the pecking order. That said, Abdullah won't have to worry about Zach Zenner or Dwayne Washington poaching snaps due to both landing on the inactive list.

Listed as full participant Tuesday

Abdullah (neck) was listed as a full practice participant on the Lions' injury report Tuesday.

Analysis: With his neck injury behind him, Abdullah can focus on getting back in the good graces of head coach Jim Caldwell, who has included the running back among the inactives the past two games. Prior to the absence, Abdullah was averaging a career-worst 3.4 YPC, so the Lions rolled with Theo Riddick and Tion Green at running back. It remains to be seen if Abdullah will do enough this week to regain his perch at the top of the depth chart in time for Saturday's contest.

Abdullah (neck) may have been healthy enough to play in Sunday's 24-21 win over the Buccaneers, MLive.com's Kyle Meinke reports.

Analysis: A limited practice participant throughout the week, Abdullah seemingly was on track to return but instead found his name on the inactive list for a second straight week. While there's been some talk that he essentially was a healthy scratch, Lions head coach Jim Caldwell suggested after the game that Abdullah's neck injury played a part in his absence. Caldwell also hinted that Abdullah will be back in the game plan in the coming weeks, though the extent of his role wasn't specified. The Lions…read more

Inactive again Sunday

Abdullah (neck) is inactive for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Sidelined for a second straight week, Abdullah will yield the backfield to Theo Riddick and Tion Green, the latter of whom turned 11 carries into 51 yards and one touchdown last Sunday in Baltimore.

Questionable, but not expected to play

Updating a previous report, Abdullah (neck), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, is not expected to play, a source informed Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Analysis: Although it appears Abdullah could be healthy enough to return from a one-game absence after practicing in a limited fashion all week, the Lions are apparently eager to give longer looks to some of their other options in the run game. While Theo Riddick will continue to rank as the team's top pass-catching back, it seems likely that Tion Green will benefit the most if Abdullah is in fact held out Sunday. In Abdullah's stead last week against a tough Ravens defense, Green made his season debut…read more

Abdullah (neck), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Abdullah's neck injury prevented him from playing in the Week 13 loss to the Ravens, but it appears the three limited practices he put in this week will be enough for him to gain clearance to dress Sunday. While Abdullah has regularly served as the Lions' lead back this season, he's averaging a meager 3.4 yards per carry. Abdullah's lack of productivity coupled with the injury will likely result in head coach Jim Caldwell liberally rotating Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington and perhaps even Tion…read more

Week 14 status up in air

Abdullah (neck) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Prior to a DNP last Sunday, Abdullah logged one limited practice. He fit in three this week, but his listing Friday leaves his Week 14 availability up in the air. Another absence would elevate the relevance of running backs Theo Riddick and Tion Green within the Lions offense.

Abdullah (neck) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

Analysis: Abdullah has already doubled his practice output from the week before, when he managed just one limited practice before sitting out Sunday's loss to the Ravens. The Lions would likely want to have Abdullah go through a full practice Friday before removing him from the injury heading into the Week 14 matchup with the Buccaneers, but as things currently stand, the running back looks to be in line to play. If he suits up, Abdullah would likely take back starting duties in the backfield, but with…read more

Abdullah (neck) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: Abdullah missed practice last Wednesday and Thursday before returning as a limited participant Friday, but he ultimately was ruled out for Sunday's 44-20 loss in Baltimore, leaving Theo Riddick, Tion Green and Zach Zenner to share snaps in the backfield. It will be hard to have confidence in Abdullah returning to action Sunday in Tampa Bay unless he makes it back to full participation by the end of the week.

Unavailable Sunday

Abdullah (neck) is listed as inactive Sunday at Baltimore, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Analysis: A neck injury conspired to keep Abdullah out of practice until Friday, when he participated on a limited basis. Early Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network relayed Abdullah was trending toward his first absence of the season, and the Lions' inactive list revealed as much. The backfield will thus be headed by Theo Riddick, but Zach Zenner can also be expected to see a number of touches with Dwayne Washington a healthy scratch.

Not expected to suit up Sunday

Abdullah (neck), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens, isn't expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Abdullah only managed one limited practice this week due to the neck injury, which he may have picked up in the Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Vikings. While official word on Abdullah's status Sunday won't come until 90 minutes prior to the 1:00 p.m. EST kickoff, fantasy owners planning on starting him should begin exploring other alternatives. According to Rapoport, the Lions plan to treat Theo Riddick as their starting running back in Week 13, though he could cede snaps to Dwayne…read more

Questionable after limited practice

Abdullah (neck) returned to practice Friday as a limited participant and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Baltimore.

Analysis: Held out of practice the previous two days, Abdullah gave himself a shot to play with Friday's return, but he told reporters afterward that they'd have to ask Lions head coach Jim Caldwell if they wanted to know about the running back's availability for Sunday in Baltimore, per ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein. With the famously tight-lipped Caldwell unlikely to provide any hints, Abdullah should be treated as a game-time decision leading up to Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. In the event of an…read more

Back at practice

Abdullah (neck) took part in Friday's practice, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Analysis: It won't be clear until after practice how much work Abdullah was able to get in, but his participation alone is a positive sign after he sat out the previous two days. The Lions could shed more light on his availability for Sunday's game against the Ravens when they release their final injury report of the week later Friday.

Abdullah (neck) didn't participate in practice Thursday.

Analysis: Abdullah's back-to-back absences from practices to begin the week put his availability for Sunday's game against the Ravens in question, a surprising development given that the injury didn't result in his early departure during the Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Vikings. He'll have another practice Friday to get back on the field and improve his outlook heading into the weekend, but even if he proves healthy by that point, Abdullah could struggle to produce against a Ravens defense that…read more

Nursing neck injury

Abdullah was held out of practice Wednesday due to a neck injury.

Analysis: Abdullah's production has waned in recent weeks, as evidenced by a combined 17 carries for 36 yards, five receptions (on seven targets) for 42 yards and one touchdown over the last two games. Wednesday's DNP marks his first of the season, so it could be maintenance-related. That said, his status will be monitored closely in the coming days to make sure an appearance is possible Sunday at Baltimore.

Abdullah rushed six times for 14 yards and caught three of five targets for 29 yards during Thursday's 30-23 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Abdullah hadn't seen fewer than 10 carries in any game this season, let alone fewer than 10 total touches. His diminished workload can be chalked up to the difficult matchup with a Vikings defense that's allowed just 3.4 yards per carry, along with the fact the Lions fell behind early and may not have had the opportunity to run as often as they would've liked. However, it also wouldn't be much of a surprise if the Detroit coaching staff has realized that Abdullah's been completely ineffective…read more

Abdullah rushed for 22 yards on 11 carries and snagged two passes for 13 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-24 win over Chicago.

Analysis: Abdullah slipped out into the flat for a two-yard touchdown catch right before halftime to give Detroit the lead. Sunday was Abdullah's third straight game with a touchdown after just one score in his first seven contests. He's been effective in the red zone during Detroit's three-game winning streak, but hasn't been much of a yard producer. His lone 100-yard game this season, ironically enough, was against the typically dominant Minnesota defense. He'll get a chance to go two for two next week…read more

Abdullah rushed 11 times for 52 yards and a touchdown while adding a three-yard catch on two targets in Sunday's 38-24 win over Cleveland.

Analysis: Abdullah expressed his dissatisfaction with a lack of goal-line touches after a Week 8 loss in which his team failed to get into the end zone, and he's now scored a short touchdown in the subsequent pair of games. His eight-yard score in the second quarter was the first of five Detroit touchdowns and the only one that came on the ground. The explosive running back doesn't see enough volume to work his way into the upper echelon at his position, but Abdullah's increased usage in close has…read more