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Detroit Lions roster review: Running back

A look back at how the Detroit Lions' running backs performed in 2013.

Gregory Shamus

As part of our season wrap-up series, we are going to examine how each player on the roster performed in 2013. Next, let's take a look at the Detroit Lions' running backs.

Reggie Bush - 14 games (14 starts) | 223 carries, 1,006 yards, 4 TD | 54 catches, 506 yards, 3 TD | 4 lost fumbles

Aside from his fumble issues, Bush put together an excellent first season in Detroit. He totaled more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage, and he became a weapon out of the backfield. The Lions signed him to fill a Jahvid Best type of role on offense, and Bush didn't disappoint.

Joique Bell - 16 games (4 starts) | 166 carries, 650 yards, 8 TD | 53 catches, 547 yards, 0 TD | 3 lost fumbles

Bell followed up on a solid season in 2012 by putting up even bigger numbers in 2013. He had nearly 1,200 total yards from scrimmage, and he served as an excellent complement to Bush. Actually, when Bush wasn't able to play, Bell showed that he can be a starting-caliber running back in the NFL. The Bush/Bell combination should be a fun one to watch in the coming years.

Theo Riddick - 14 games (0 starts) | 9 carries, 25 yards, 1 TD | 4 catches, 26 yards, 0 TD | 0 lost fumbles

Most of Riddick's playing time came on special teams, but he did get some opportunities to touch the ball on offense. With Bush and Bell in the backfield, Riddick wasn't necessarily needed a ton on offense, but perhaps he could see a bigger role as a situational running back/slot receiver in the future.

Mikel Leshoure - 3 games (0 starts) | 2 carries, 9 yards, 0 TD | 0 lost fumbles

Leshoure went from being the Lions' starting running back in 2012 to barely even playing in 2013. He was only a part of three games, and he got all of 2 carries all season. Unless the new coaching staff sees something in Leshoure that the old staff didn't, it's possible he could be released or traded this offseason.

Montell Owens - 1 game (0 starts)

After suffering an injury in the preseason, Owens spent the first half of the 2013 regular season on injured reserve. In his first game back from IR, he suffered another injury, and this one kept him out for the remainder of the season. In terms of playing time, Owens was essentially not even on the roster in 2013.

Previously: Quarterback

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