Ameer Abdullah Injury: Updates on Lions RB's Recovery from Foot Surgery

Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah suffered a foot injury in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans and was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 21. He underwent surgery, and it is uncertain when he will return.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Abdullah's Practice Status, Timeline to Return

Thursday, Nov. 24

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Abdullah's "foot is structurally sound" and that the Lions will now need to make a call on whether to speed up his rehab.

ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein reported the following on Wednesday:

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A source said "everything went well" at [Abdullah's] checkup with doctors in North Carolina on Tuesday with his injured foot. The Lions have yet to use their IR designated-to-return spot and have not indicated what they might do with it. This could give them good news when it comes to Abdullah possibly returning this season, although it is not clear what Detroit will ultimately do.

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On Nov. 20, Rapoport noted that it would be realistic to expect Abdullah back in three weeks.

Rapoport reported on Sept. 25 that the Lions hoped to have Abdullah back shortly after their Week 10 bye. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Lions believed Abdullah would be out for the season at that time. 

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Latest on Abdullah's Recovery

Sunday, Nov. 13

"Looks like [Abdullah] is making good progress with his rehab. His Snapchat shows him on the exercise bike," noted the Detroit News' Justin Rogers on Nov. 11.

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Caldwell Comments on Abdullah's Recovery, Timeline

Friday, Oct. 7

Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said Abdullah is "making progress" in his recovery, per Kyle Meinke of MLive Media Group. When asked if the running back would return this season, Caldwell said, "We'll see," per Rothstein.

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Abdullah Lands on IR; Replacement Revealed

Wednesday, Sept. 21

The Lions announced on Sept. 21 that they signed wide receiver Aaron Dobson and placed Abdullah on injured reserve.

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Abdullah to Undergo Testing, Using Protective Boot

Monday, Sept. 19

Josina Anderson of ESPN reported that Abdullah was scheduled to visit Dr. Anderson in North Carolina on Sept. 20 to undergo an evaluation of his left foot.

Rapoport, citing a source, reported on the morning of Sept. 19 that Abdullah's X-rays came back negative but noted he would undergo additional testing later in the day. Rapoport later added that "the belief" is Abdullah suffered a foot sprain.

Schefter noted on Sept. 18 that Abdullah was in a walking boot and had a noticeable limp.

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Abdullah's Injury Exposes Lions' Lack of RB Depth

The Lions aren’t loaded with reliable running back depth, so losing Abdullah is a worrisome blow.

While the Nebraska product underwent offseason shoulder surgery, he proved to be durable as a rookie in 2015 and appeared in all 16 games. He finished with 597 rushing yards and two scores on the ground behind 4.2 yards per carry, and the Lions used him as a threat in the passing game as well (25 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown).

Abdullah is shifty in the hole with enough burst to break through openings up front when they present themselves. He flashed his potential when he topped 1,600 rushing yards in each of his final two collegiate seasons and scored 22 total touchdowns as a senior in 2014.