How many times are we going to go back and forth between the Detroit Lions running backs?
During the preseason, Joique Bell was recovering from surgery and a disappointing 2014 campaign. The uncertainty surrounding him had fantasy football owners all board second-round rookie Ameer Abdullah's hype train. The dynamic young playmaker was expected to usurp the starting role and become a fantasy star overnight.
But Bell recovered from his injuries and assumed the No. 1 RB spot before getting hurt again in the regular season. Unfortunately, he hasn't done much with the starting gig when healthy, but neither has the rookie.
Overall, the Lions rank dead last in rushing yards (557) and rushing yards per game (69.6) and 29th in yards per carry average (3.7) and rushing touchdowns (2).
So if you have the misfortune of owning one of these guys, should you expect anything to change?
"When a team makes a significant adjustment to its coaching staff, you can usually count on personnel and scheme adjustments," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "The big change made by new Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter was to demote rookie Ameer Abdullah to third on the running back depth chart. After averaging 24.4 snaps and 8.9 carries per game during Weeks 1-7, Abdullah handled one carry and two targets on five snaps against Kansas City. Veteran Joique Bell was the 'winner' here, as he paced the team with seven carries and 56 rushing yards. Theo Riddick played a position-high 37 snaps in a one-sided game that saw Detroit call 45 passes and 13 runs. Incredibly, the Lions have called pass on 204 (or 92 percent) of Riddick's 224 snaps this season. Bell is back in the Flex discussion, while Abdullah is barely worth a roster spot in most formats."
Overall, Abdullah has carried the ball 63 times for 225 yards (3.6 YPC) and one score while catching 13 passes for 113 yards and an additional touchdown. Bell missed three games due to injury and has 30 rushing attempts for 99 yards (3.3) and one touchdown to go along with seven receptions for 55 yards. Neither has gained much traction this year, though Detroit's offensive line has struggled with injuries and ineffective play.
Riddick has had an impressive first half of the season as a pass catcher, hauling in 42 passes for 348 yards and two scores. If his snap count continues to rise he is worth a roster spot in PPR leagues. However, if Bell continues to get the majority of the work then it's likely none of Detroit's RBs will be consistent fantasy options.
