Lions' Ameer Abdullah: Itching to play

Abdullah (shoulder) has expressed his desire to play in Detroit's third preseason game, Saturday against the Ravens, ESPN reports. "I mean, I just want to play," Abdullah said. "Just want to play at a full-speed game tempo. That's all it really is. I've been practicing. To play in a game setting, to get back used to playing in a game since I haven't played in a preseason game yet, that'd be cool."

Analysis:

Abdullah was incapable of playing in the Lions' first two preseason games, but has since shed the red no-contact jersey he donned for the majority of training camp in order to protect his surgically repaired shoulder. However, regardless as to whether he's granted his wish and actually does suit up Saturday, Abdullah remains firmly set to start Week 1 against the Colts. In question, though, is his role on special teams. The former Cornhusker led the NFL in kickoff-return yardage in 2015, but may be solely restrained to running back duties in 2016 as a means to prevent the second-year pro from popping up on the injury report over the course of the upcoming campaign.