Detroit Lions inactives include Ameer Abdullah, A’Shawn Robinson

DETROIT — Running back Ameer Abdullah, who was not on the injury report, will be inactive for the Lions tonight when they open their regular season against the New York Jets at Ford Field. Kickoff is 7:10 p.m. on ESPN. Abdullah was the Lions’ leading running back in 2017 with 552 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

That leaves active running backs: Theo Riddick, LeGarrette Blount, rookie Kerryon Johnson and fullback Nick Bellore.

Also defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, who started every game in 2017, is inactive and was not on injury report this week. He had lost his starting role during camp. Sylvester Williams and Ricky Jean Francois are expected to start at defensive tackle.

Other Lions inactives:

Wide receiver Brandon Powell

Cornerback Dee Virgin

Defensive end Romeo Okwara

Guard Joe Dahl

Tackle Andre Donnal (knee) did not practice on Saturday and was listed as out on the injury report that day.

It’s the debut of head coach Matt Patricia has been targeting this day since he was hired in February.

Author: Paula Pasche

Paula Pasche, a veteran sports writer, covers the Detroit Lions for her Lions Lowdown blog. She has written two books, "Game of My Life Detroit Lions" and "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" which are available at bookstores and on Amazon.com. She won first place for column writing from the Society of Professional Journalists in Detroit (Class B) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and was The Oakland Press 2010 Staffer of the Year. View all posts by Paula Pasche