Lions rookie running back Ameer Abdullah is expected to play a significant role in Detroit’s offense, but he hopes that’s not his only role. Abdullah is lobbying to be the Lions’ punt and kickoff returner as well.
“I’m hoping so,” Abdullah said, via Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News. “Any way I can be on the field, I hope I can out there. If they give me any work at all as a returner, I’d be grateful.”
Jeremy Ross, who served as the Lions’ punt and kickoff returner last year, didn’t make the Lions’ 53-man roster. That leaves the return job wide open, with Abdullah, Golden Tate and T.J. Jones among the players who have experience returning kicks. Abdullah spent most of his time in training camp and the preseason working on offense, but he did return kicks at Nebraska, and he said he thinks he’s an even better returner now after spending time studying film of kick coverage in the Lions’ special teams meetings.
“I’m really comfortable back there now,” Abdullah said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I’m excited. I feel like we have a number of guys who can make an impact and be exciting at the returner spot. I feel we have a lot of great schemes, and we have guys who are willing to block. Whoever’s back there I know they’re going to make their mark and I hope I get the opportunity.”
The Lions’ coaches have said they want to give Abdullah as many opportunities as possible to make plays with the ball in his hands. Letting him return kicks would make a lot of sense.