Door still open for possible return of Lions’ Ameer Abdullah

Allen Park – The Detroit Lions still haven’t designated a player to return from injured reserve, leaving the door open for running back Ameer Abdullah to possibly rejoin the team this season.

Abullah required surgery after suffering a foot injury in Week 2. In recent social media videos, he’s been seen riding an exercise bike, and coach Jim Caldwell has said the back is making positive progress with his rehab.

Even though a healthy Abdullah would provide the offense a big boost, Caldwell insists the team isn’t planning for the possibility. The focus is squarely on the team’s upcoming opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Only thing I’m concerned about is this game, period,” Caldwell said. “I don’t talk about hypothesis and ‘what ifs’ and all those kinds of things. I like to deal more in the present.

“I’m going to stay nearsighted, shortsighted, tunnel vision,” Caldwell said. “I’m tunnel vision all the way, you can call it whatever you want. That’s what we do.”

Even though he’s not ready physically, Abdullah is staying mentally sharp in the meeting room.

“He’s a really intelligent guy, really enjoys football,” offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said. “(He’s) doing a good job of kind of sticking around and being a part of the thing and look forward to more of that.”

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Prior to suffering the injury, Abdullah was showing signs of having a breakout season. He had gained 101 yards on 18 carries with five receptions for another 57 yards.

The NFL’s current rule allows teams to designate one player to return to practice six weeks after they’ve been placed on injured reserve. That player can play in a game after eight weeks.

Detroit’s other candidate for return is linebacker Jonathan Bostic. He’s been out since August, also with a foot injury.