Former Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah will enter the season as the Detroit Lions’ starting running back.

Detroit general manager Bob Quinn met with reporters after the conclusion of the NFL Draft, and said that the Lions are going forward with Abdullah as the starter. Abdullah will be entering his third professional season, and will return to the field after missing 14 games last year because of an injury.

"It's a tough balance, but I think Ameer's injury last year was sort of a fluke thing. He's back 100 percent. Theo's dealing with a few things, but we think he's ready to go, too," Quinn told reporters. "You can't carry 10 running backs. You've got 90 guys on the roster, and you've got to split them up as best as you see fit.”

The Lions will also have Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner on its roster, and will be looking for improvement at the position after finishing 30th in the NFL in rushing last season. Detroit opted not to draft a running back in this weekend’s draft, perhaps showing confidence that Abdullah is due for a bounce-back year.

Abdullah was having a strong start to the season before a foot injury ended his season in week two. The former Husker averaged 5.6 yards per carry before the injury in 2016.