The Detroit Lions have possessed one of the best running games over the past two seasons. Although the Lions' offensive line lost some pieces, Detroit will still lean on its rushing attack in 2025. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will lead the way, with Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki serving as backups.
That said, one former Lions running back recently signed with an NFC team looking to rebound and is already being put to use. On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers signed former Lions running back Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah signed with the Niners after one of their running backs sustained an injury and is already making noise in his first practice.
Newest Niner Ameer Abdullah getting punt return reps today. https://t.co/lKOKUpFYzL pic.twitter.com/1OL0uQZhRE
— KNBR (@KNBR) July 31, 2025
Former Lions RB Ameer Abdullah Doing Everything Possible to Keep NFL Career Alive
The 32-year-old back entered the NFL as a second-round pick of the Lions in 2015. Part of the reason Abdullah was drafted by Detroit because of his speed, as he ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash. That placed him as the fourth fastest running back in the class.
Nevertheless, Abdullah's smaller stature meant he was used as part of a running back committee. In four seasons with Detroit, he recorded 327 carries for 1,261 yards and six touchdowns. That's solid production on the ground for the role he filled.
However, Abdullah was not limited to backup running back with the Lions; he was also part of the return game. During his time with the Lions, he returned 49 kickoffs for 1,363 yards.
Since leaving Detroit in 2018, Abdullah has mainly been a return specialist. Over his other six NFL seasons, Abdullah has returned 102 kickoffs for 2,420 yards for three different teams.
In 2024, the 49ers struggled in the return game. So, it's not a surprise that San Francisco is testing him out as a returner on his first day with the team. Be that as it may, Lions fans would get a kick out of Abdullah making the 49ers' 53-man roster.
Just two years ago, these two franchises faced off in the NFC Championship, so signing a former washed-up Lion shows just how much San Francisco has fallen.