Detroit Lions

Caldwell: Lions RB Ameer Abdullah is 'going to be a special player'

Published Dec. 30, 2015 2:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

After watching him play in 15 games this year, the Detroit Lions can evaluate rookie running back Ameer Abdullah and project his future with confidence. Head coach Jim Caldwell has looked down that road, and he likes what he sees.

Caldwell said Abdullah is "going to be a special player."

Via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press:

Abdullah was a second-round pick out of Nebraska in this year's draft. Although the Lions have the NFL's 31st ranked running game (84.5 yards per game), he has been the team's best ball-carrier in his first season as a pro. Heading into Week 17, Abdullah leads the team with 553 yards and two touchdowns on 133 rushing attempts. He also has 24 receptions for 176 yards and a touchdown.

Abdullah's playmaking ability has been on display mostly as a kick returner. He has averaged 30.7 yards per attempt (most in NFL), but he has not returned a kick for a touchdown despite a season-long of 104 yards.

One area in which Abdullah must improve is ball security. He has fumbled a total of five times this season, and the Lions lost possession on two of them.