Lions' Ameer Abdullah content with role in running-back committee

Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah is emerging as one of the preseason's stars ahead of his rookie campaign, but says he'd be fine with splitting carries as part of the team's rotation.

Abdullah is projected to share repetitions with Joique Bell and Theo Riddick in spite of his standout performances over the summer.

The former Nebraska star is content with the current arrangement.

"We have a lot of team-oriented goals for this team in the future. We want to be a playoff team. We want to go far into the playoffs," Abdullah said to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. "Taking that into account, there's certain things necessary to get that team there, and if that's to be a running-back team by committee, I'm going to be that guy. And when I'm in, I'm going to make sure I make an impact."

Abdullah rushed for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons at Nebraska, developing into one of the best collegiate running backs last year. In the Lions' first preseason game against the New York Jets, Abdullah invoked comparisons to Barry Sanders after rushing for 67 yards on seven carries, including a scintillating 45-yard scamper.

The rookie is seeking advice from Lions veterans, and says he's learning from second-team All-Pro inside linebacker DeAndre Levy.

"Playing against DeAndre Levy, he's so smart, so smart," Abdullah said. "I feel like he's gotten the better end of those battles in practice. I'm trying to see where he's going to be, he's definitely trying to read where I'm going to be, and I'm just trying to play a little chess game with him. Maybe give him a dip here, go the other way, vice versa."