Detroit Lions relying on Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington in RB rotation
Dave Birkett
The Detroit Lions are getting their No. 1 and 2 running backs back on the field this fall, but that doesn't necessarily mean Nos. 3 and 4 will disappear from the rotation.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell said this spring he envisions employing a backfield-by-committee in 2017.
Ameer Abdullah, who missed most of last year with a foot injury, is the team's starting running back, and Theo Riddick, who's still recovering from double-wrist surgery, has proven an effective role player. But Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington both showed promise in limited reps last year.
Zenner had career-highs of 67 and 69 yards in the Lions' final two regular-season games. He's a better pure runner than Riddick, though Riddick remains one of the best receiving backs in the NFL.
"I see consistent progress and improvement with him," Caldwell said during mandatory minicamp earlier this month. "He can run the ball. He can pass protect. He can catch the ball out of the backfield if need be and I think just another year under his belt is going to be a great help. Zach is one of those guys that I think without question can be effective for us."
Washington and Zenner served as the Lions' lead backs for the final five games of last season (including the playoffs) with mixed results.
The Lions averaged just 77 yards rushing per game during that span and went 1-4, but both Washington and Zenner had breakout performances. Zenner's big games came against two of the NFC's best teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, while Washington had 64 yards rushing on 16 carries against the Chicago Bears before tumbling into the doghouse.
Caldwell said the Lions haven't lost any confidence in Washington heading into his second NFL season.
"Nobody really knows how good he can be, but he has talent," Caldwell said. "He has ability. We like what we see in that particular area and he’s developing."
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Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.