Detroit Lions

Ameer Abdullah's role is 'growing,' but here's what's holding him back

Published Nov. 19, 2015 1:04 p.m. ET

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Detroit Lions fans watched starting running back Joique Bell rush 14 times for 17 yards against the Green Bay Packers last week. Meanwhile, rookie running back Ameer Abdullah, who ripped off a 104-yard kick return in the game, only took five handoffs.

Abdullah is an undeniably more explosive runner than Bell, and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter insists the young ball-carrier's role is growing, according to Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman.

However, the Lions are unlikely to turn the offense over to Abdullah and make him the team's featured back.

Why don't they trust him to lead the charge? According to Twentyman, the issue is ball security.

Although Abdullah is the team's leading rusher with 240 yards on the season (47th in NFL), he has fumbled three times on offense and has lost one of them. Until he can be trusted to carry the rock without coughing it up, the Lions aren't likely to let him off the leash.

This area of the game should be Abdullah's primary focus next offseason, since it seems to be the only thing standing in the way of future stardom.

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