Lions HC Jim Caldwell admitted that there's still no timetable for RB Joique Bell's return from knee and Achilles surgeries.  “I’m not sure how long it’s going to take,” Caldwell said. “I do know one thing, he is coming along quickly and we’ll see what the doctor says. Can’t put an exact timetable on it right now. From a schematic standpoint he knows and understands how to run the ball.  He knows the system. We’re just majorly concerned right now with obviously getting him healthy and he’s well on his way to that.”  The longer Bell sits out, the more time talented rookie Ameer Abdullah has to earn playing time.  We're much more interested in Abdullah at his 5th-round ADP than Bell in the 6th.

ESPN's Michael Rothstein reports that Lions RB Joique Bell will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list. That's no big surprise after offseason knee and Achilles' tendon surgeries. It might get in the way of Bell reaching his stated goal of 1,200 rushing yards, though. Any time the veteran misses only creates more opportunities for exciting rookie RB Ameer Abdullah to flash his ability.

The Lions view Ameer Abdullah as a "primary RB," according to insider Dave Birkett.  That's an important distinction because some draftniks considered the 5'9, 205-pounder more of a change-of-pace back in the pros.  Of course, the fact that Detroit spent the 54th overall pick of this spring's draft on Abdullah was a good indication that they believe he can be a lead back.  The rookie has since drawn rave reviews in OTAs and minicamp.  We project Abdullah to lead the Lions backfield in touches and fantasy points this season.

The Lions are concerned about RB Joique Bell's conditioning heading to training camp.  He's missed the entire offseason so far after undergoing knee and Achilles surgeries after the season.  “Really, I think your biggest concern is just, is he going to be able to get in the shape that you wanted to at the beginning of camp,” OC Joe Lombardi said. “But we’ll be careful with him and smart and ramp him up as we go.”  Bell should at least be fine for the start of the regular season, but all the missed time is allowing RB Ameer Abdullah more chances to earn a significant 2015 role.

Undrafted free agent RB Zach Zenner latched on with the Lions.  Zenner hails from South Dakota St. but gained a cult following in the pre-draft process thanks to an impressive combination of production and measurables.  He posted 3 straight 2,000-yard rushing seasons with 58 TDs over that span.  He also caught 77 balls during that 3-year stretch.  Then Zenner checked into the Combine at 6'0, 223 pounds and ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash with a 41-inch vertical and 121-inch broad.  That gave him the 2nd highest SPARQ score in this year's RB class -- behind new teammate Ameer Abdullah.  Detroit's backfield is currently a bit crowded with the 2 rookies, Joique Bell and Theo Riddick.  But Bell turns 29 in August and Riddick only looks like a pass-catcher.  Zenner is capable of emerging as a "big back" complement to Abdullah down the road.

The Lions snatched up RB Ameer Abdullah with the 54th pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.  The Nebraska product topped 1,600 rushing yards in each of the past 2 seasons while averaging a combined 6.1 yards per carry.  Abdullah goes just 5'9, 205 pounds and ran a 4.6-second 40 time at the Combine.  But he crushed the other drills and profiles as a more athletic Gio Bernard.  Adbullah's biggest issues are his ball security and pass protection -- 2 traits that can be improved.  He joins a Lions backfield that features Joique Bell as the early-down runner and Theo Riddick as the passing-down back.  Abdullah could finish with more total touches than both guys this season.