Free Press writers Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez debate Lions-Dolphins, and discuss NFC North hierarchy. Recorded Oct. 18, 2018.
Carlos Monarrez and Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Ameer Abdullah is in line to help the Detroit Lions with return duties for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins (1 p.m., Fox).
The Lions made rookie wide receiver Brandon Powell, another return candidate, inactive on Sunday, which leaves Abdullah and wide receiver TJ Jones as the team’s primary return options.
Abdullah averaged 29.1 yards per kick return as a rookie, and served as the Lions’ primary kick-returner in a Week 5 win over the Green Bay Packers.
More: Lions vs. Dolphins: Scouting report and prediction
Jamal Agnew suffered a knee injury in that game, and the Lions placed him on injured reserve earlier this week.
Abdullah has not handled punt returns as a pro, but he said Friday he’s capable of handling those Sunday if needed, and he was Nebraska’s punt returner for part of his college career.
Along with Powell, who has yet to play this year, Ziggy Ansah (shoulder), Theo Riddick (knee), Kerry Hyder, Joe Dahl, Lenzy Pipkins and Andrew Donnal are inactive for the Lions.
Brock Osweiler will start at quarterback in place of the injured Ryan Tannehill for the Dolphins, and wide receiver DeVante Parker and tight end A.J. Derby are among the inactives.
Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Download our Lions Xtra app for free on Apple and Android!
