Lions general manager Bob Quinn said Abdullah will be the team's starting running back, ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein reports.
Abdullah has quietly been one of the offseason's biggest winners, as the Lions haven't made any notable free-agent additions at running back and also didn't use any draft picks on the position. What's more, Abdullah was medically cleared in March to return from the foot injury that cost him the final 14 games of last season -- giving him a full offseason to prepare for his third professional campaign. Theo Riddick (wrist) is locked in on passing downs and Zach Zenner or Dwayne Washington could handle the short-yardage work, but Abdullah seemingly has a clear path to a role as the primary ball carrier. Following the offseason additions of right tackle Ricky Wagner and right guard T.J. Lang, the Lions could have a productive running game for the first time since 2013. The team produced less than four yards per carry and 90 rushing yards per game in each of the past three seasons, deploying a revolving door of lead backs along the way. Abdullah has the requisite running ability and supporting cast to finally seize the reins, but durability and ball security remain major concerns, buoyed by his lack of ideal size (5-foot-9, 203 pounds) for a lead back.