The Detroit Lions' running back room has become famous in the NFL for its versatility and dominance. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, lovingly nicknamed "Sonic & Knuckles", are the league's best duo, helping to propel this offense to great heights.
Over the years, fans have seen numerous backs come and go. From the days of Theo Riddick to the promise of Kerryon Johnson, the organization has long tried to create what this current backfield represents.
One former Detroit back, who had a pair of seasons with over 700 yards from scrimmage for the franchise, just signed with the fifth team of his career in the middle of training camp.
The #49ers are signing veteran RB Ameer Abdullah, per @mzenitz pic.twitter.com/9uerKcwMTs
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) July 31, 2025
Former Lions RB Ameer Abdullah Signs with 49ers During Training Camp
As reported by CBS Sports national NFL insider Matt Zenitz, the San Francisco 49ers signed Abdullah on Thursday. Entering his 11th season, Abdullah could provide a veteran presence to a team known for getting production out of virtually any halfback. Given the injury history of Christian McCaffrey, it's a wise move by San Francisco.
Aside from the Lions and now 49ers, Abdullah has also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders, his most recent organization. In 2024, Abdullah rushed for 311 yards and two TDs while adding 261 receiving yards and another three TDs in a limited role.
He's still got talent despite being 32 years old. A proven receiving threat, he's a logical fit for head coach Kyle Shanahan's scheme. San Francisco traded away Deebo Samuel this offseason, Brandon Aiyuk is still injured, and now Jauan Jennings is in a contract dispute. That leaves their offense perilously thin from a pass-catching perspective, suggesting that Abdullah may be able to land on the final roster and even earn playing time early in the season.
Detroit originally drafted him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Nebraska. He's carved out an impressive career and deserves this opportunity. Lions fans won't be sad to see an NFC rival land him, given the dominance of Montgomery and Gibbs, though it's true that if he becomes productive, it's a net negative overall.
Either way, fans should cheer him on. It's unlikely he winds up breaking camp, but it's neat to see a familiar face from the downtrodden days getting another chance to stick in the league.