While he still believes Abdullah can be a workhorse-type running back, Lions head coach Jim Caldwell suggested the team is trying to upgrade the position, DetroitLions.com reports.
Coming off a season-ending foot injury suffered in Week 2, the 23-year-old running back has been cleared to participate in Detroit's offseason program, though it's possible he'll have some limitations early on. Passing-down back Theo Riddick (wrist) is also returning from surgery and isn't quite as far in the rehab process, but his training camp availability doesn't seem to be in question. Of greater concern than either player's health is the possibility Detroit signs or drafts a highly-regarded running back to challenge Abdullah for carries. While Riddick's pass-catching role should be secure, Abdullah may have already missed out on his chance to prove he can shoulder a lead-back workload. The Lions have been mentioned as a possible destination for Adrian Peterson (knee) in addition to some of the top running backs in the upcoming draft. The Detroit running game should be much improved regardless of who gets the carries, as the team made an offseason splash by signing Rick Wagner and T.J. Lang, two of the top offensive linemen on the free-agent market.