ALLEN PARK -- Running backs are supposed to wear down over time. But in Year 5, Theo Riddick felt better than ever.

The Detroit Lions running back adopted a vegan diet last offseason, and says he felt an unmistakable difference as he navigated the tough life of an NFL running back.

"I just think my recovery level was just phenomenal," he said. "I think when I was younger, to be honest I wouldn't really feel better until probably Friday. And then you go back out there and play on Sunday.

"I can say last year I was feeling good by Tuesday. And to have that recovery level on my side and working with me, instead of against me, has given me the chance to play all 16 games."

Riddick indeed played all 16 games last year, just one season after he was held to 10 because of assorted injuries, including double wrist issues that forced him to undergo surgery. That wasn't a problem last year, though, and he stayed on the field all season despite recording the second-most touches of his career.

He struggled on the ground, just like everybody else who gave it a go in the Lions offense last year, rushing 84 times for 286 yards. But he added another 53 touches in the passing game, for 444 yards -- eighth most among all running backs in the league. And he also scored five touchdowns, which trailed only Marvin Jones on the team.

Those exploits in the passing game will give Riddick an excellent chance of carving out a role this season, despite the retool that is already under way in the offensive backfield. Detroit signed LeGarrette Blount in free agency, then traded away a fourth-round pick to move up for Kerryon Johnson in the second round. And they added a fullback, Nick Bawden, in the seventh round for good measure.

The Lions have already cut Tion Green from the mix, but still have Ameer Abdullah, Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington under contract too. That's seven total backs jockeying for four or five spots, an no returner is safe.

In Riddick's case, his contract could make him a candidate for the chopping block. His $4.1 million cap hit is twice anybody else at the position. The club could save $2.2 million by cutting him.

But if the Lions can afford him, Riddick's job is almost certainly safe. Johnson and Blount are expected to headline the rotation, but Riddick offers a nice change-of-pace as the No. 3 because of what he can do as a receiver. He's also turned himself into a reliable pass blocker, and certainly better than Abdullah, with whom he could be competing for a game-day role.

Plus, he has that new diet that is helping him stay on the field. Even if, you know, he still misses some aspects of his former life.

"A ribeye," he said, eyes popping.