The Detroit Lions on Tuesday released former second-round pick Ameer Abdullah and signed wide receiver Bruce Ellington, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #Lions are signing FA WR Bruce Ellington, formerly of the #Texans, source said. To create space, they are waiving RB Ameer Abdullah. He’s been mostly inactive this season. DET had some trade talks before the deadline but nothing came to fruition. The next step was to move on.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2018
Abdullah, 25, was the Lions’ 53rd overall pick in the 2015 draft. He appeared in 35 games with the Lions, rushing 327 times for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns along with catching 57 passes for 420 yards.
Abdullah had a promising rookie season when he had 168 touches for 780 total scrimmage yards and had a career-high 597 rushing yards. He also led the team in rushing last season with 552 yards.
However, Abdullah's role in Detroit diminished significantly this season after the signing of LeGarrette Blount and the emergence of second-round pick Kerryon Johnson. Abdullah was active for only three games this season. He had one carry for 1 yard this season and two receptions for 18 yards.
Meanwhile, Ellington arrives in Detroit after spending the last two years with the Houston Texans. He had a career year with the Texans last season as he had 29 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns.
However, he suffered a hamstring injury on Sept. 25 which landed him on injured reserve. He was released last week but has since recovered.
Ellington played in three games this season, recording eight catches for 92 yards and one touchdown in three games. He will now have a chance to take over as the Lions’ new slot receiver after Golden Tate was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
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