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The Lions have been experimenting with receiver Golden Tate playing running back. With pass-catching tailback Theo Riddick out this week due to an ankle injury, Tate could line up even more often in the backfield, as noted by Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.

Last Sunday against the Eagles, Tate had three carries for six yards. But with Riddick, the leading pass catcher among all NFL running backs, absent, Tate could run more pass routes from the backfield.

Against Philadelphia, Tate’s first run started from the pistol formation and ended with an 11-yard gain. (He’d lose a total of five yards on his other two attempts.)

With Riddick out, newcomer Justin Forsett also could get some immediate opportunities.