Abdullah (foot) is fully cleared to return to the field, ESPN reports.
Expectations were high for Abdullah entering the 2016 campaign, as the former second-rounder was coming off a successful rookie year and appeared in line for an expanded role within the offense. He started off hot -- averaging 5.6 yards per carry across 18 totes -- until a torn ligament in his left foot from Week 2 sentenced the tailback to injured reserve for the remainder of the season. Various combinations of Theo Riddick (wrist), Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington and Justin Forsett comprised the Lions' running back corps game by game thereafter, but no runner in particular ever emerged as the team's clear lead back. Now healthy, Abdullah enters the offseason as the favorite for No. 1 duties in 2017. However, Detroit management has stated its intent to improve its rushing attack and could potentially add another running back via the draft to compete for the starting gig.