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Lions RB Ameer Abdullah out 8-plus weeks with foot injury

Posted at 8:33 AM, Sep 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-22 08:33:30-04

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Theo Riddick proved he could be an effective, pass-catching running back last season.

Riddick caught 80 receptions for the Detroit Lions in 2015, his third year in the league.

Until Ameer Abdullah was hurt last week, though, Riddick hadn’t carried the ball more than seven times in a game.

That is about to change.

The Lions, without Abdullah for at least eight weeks, are giving Riddick a chance to be an every-down running back in the NFL.

“I think you’ve seen he’s more than capable,” coach Jim Caldwell said.

The Lions put running back Abdullah on the reserve-injured list with a foot injury Wednesday, pushing Riddick up the depth chart.