Ameer Abdullah was on the field Friday for the first practice of Detroit Lions training camp. Something was different for the running back, though.
Unlike every other player out there, Abdullah did not have a number on his uniform. Also, he was the only non-quarterback in a red "Don’t touch me" jersey, signaling he was not to be hit.
Abdullah has been cleared to practice, but the Lions are trying to take it easy with the second-year player, who underwent shoulder surgery in January.
Abdullah sat out spring workouts following the procedure to repair a torn labrum suffered in December. The key to the Lions running game is clearly Abdullah so expect the Lions to work him in slowly. After the team's Week 9 bye, and with new-OC Jim Bob Cooter calling the plays, Abdullah averaged 11.5 touches for 55.3 yards and 0.12 TD per game. He averaged 4.65 YPC in that span, and the running game as a whole improved considerably under Cooter (+6.75 carries, +27.5 yards and +0.37 TD per game).
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