Detroit Lions place Theo Riddick on injured reserve; downgrade Riley Reiff to questionable

While we were excited about the promotion of Detroit Lions receiver Jace Billingsley, we were eagerly awaiting what the corresponding move would be for the team. Unfortunately, the news isn’t very good. Theo Riddick has been placed on injured reserve, ending his 2016 season.

Riddick suffered a wrist injury at some point in the game against the New Orleans Saints. Since that game, Riddick has not played nor has he practiced. Riddick has told several reporters that his wrist is not broken, but the injury is obviously severe enough for the team to sit him for the rest of the year.

If you’re wondering if Detroit can bring back Riddick if the Lions make a deep playoff run, the answer is no. In order to bring back a player from injured reserve, they need to spend at least eight weeks on the list. The playoffs will be over by the time Riddick is eligible to return.

Ameer Abdullah, however, is still eligible to return. Abdullah went on IR after suffering a foot injury and undergoing surgery. Abdullah has been hanging around the Lions facility lately, but he has not returned to practice and there are no clear signs as to whether he is close to a return or not.

For now, the Lions only have three healthy running backs on the roster: Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington and Joique Bell. Those three will have to be enough to take the Lions into the playoffs and possibly beyond.

In addition to this move, the Lions announced they have added TE Kennard Backman to the practice squad. Also, they added another name to their injury report:

If Riley Reiff can’t go, the Lions would likely rely on Corey Robinson to replace him. Against a solid Packers pass rush, that is less than ideal.