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

Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery for an injury suffered in December. He is expected to return to the field during the summer.  

Continue for updates.

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Lions GM Comments on Abdullah's Recovery

Monday, June 6

Lions general manager Bob Quinn confirmed to reporters on Monday that Abdullah will be ready for the start of training camp.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on May 26 that Abdullah was expected to be ready for camp.

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Abdullah's Surgery Date Revealed

Thursday, May 26

The Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett reported that "Abdullah underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in January and could miss the rest of the offseason," according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Birkett also noted that "Abdullah, who has been rehabbing in Atlanta and also with the team this offseason, is said to be ahead of schedule in his rehab, but the Lions intend to proceed cautiously until training camp." 

Head coach Jim Caldwell said Abdullah is "recovering nicely" from the surgery, per Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.

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Abdullah Key to Lions' Ground Attack

A second-round pick out of Nebraska, Abdullah, 22, struggled for most of his rookie season. He finished the season with 597 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 147 attempts.

The Lions' running back situation is murky behind Abdullah, though Theo Riddick and Stevan Ridley have proved to be capable runners at times. Still, the key to the Lions' success at the position seemingly starts and ends with Abdullah.

The team will also lean on Abdullah as a receiving threat out of the backfield with the departure of superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Abdullah accumulated 183 yards and one touchdown on 25 receptions during his rookie campaign. Detroit will likely rely on him during the season, so it's important for him to use the offseason to make sure he's completely healthy and ready to go when it matters most.

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