Sep 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field. (Play disqualified due to penalty). Photo Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions placed running back Ameer Abdullah on injured reserve Wednesday after he injured his left foot in Sunday’s 16-15 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Abdullah, the Lions’ leading rusher with 101 yards on 18 carries this season, hobbled off the field after a 24-yard run late in the second quarter. He has caught five passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.
Initial X-rays on the foot showed no broken bones but Abdullah went to Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday for a second opinion with specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, according to ESPN.
The 23-year-old Abdullah could return later this season as the franchise can bring back one player off injured reserve. The IR designation means Abdullah will miss at least half the season.
With Abdullah out, Theo Riddick will start at running back and rookie Dwayne Washington will see an expanded role as a backup. Washington had 31 yards on four carries Sunday and serves as the Lions’ primary kick returner and short-yardage back.
To take Abdullah’s place on the roster, the Lions signed free agent wide receiver Aaron Dobson.
Dobson joins the Lions following a three-year stint with the New England Patriots (2013-15). He appeared in eight games (three starts) last season for New England and finished with 13 receptions for 141 yards.
Dobson, selected by the Patriots in the second round (59th overall) of the 2013 draft out of Marshall, has played in 24 career games (13 starts), with 53 receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns.
In addition, the Lions signed linebacker Zaviar Gooden and running back George Winn to the practice squad, and released guard Chase Farris and wide receiver Isaac Fruechte. Winn played 19 games over the last two seasons with the Lions, rushing for 74 yards on 23 carries.
