Monday open thread: If Theo Riddick can’t play, who should Lions start at running back?

On Saturday, the Detroit Lions sent a message regarding their current running back situation: Ameer Abdullah is no longer our starter. Abdullah, despite not having an injury designation, only played in eight total snaps. Granted, Abdullah touched the ball on half of those snaps, but it was clear Detroit had little interest in making him a centerpiece in the run game.

That became even more apparent in the second half, when starting running back Theo Riddick suffered a wrist injury. The Lions chose to make Tion Green their workhorse back in the final two quarters. Green played in a total of 23 snaps, carrying the ball 10 times for 35 yards.

Now we have no idea how serious Riddick’s injury is at this point. All we know is that Riddick did not return to the game and he previously had surgery on both of his wrists last year.

So today’s Question of the Day is a bit of a hypothetical.

If Theo Riddick cannot play against the Cincinnati Bengals, who should the Detroit Lions start at running back?

My answer: I would still like to see Ameer Abdullah be given one more chance, especially now that he should be playing with an even bigger chip on his shoulder. In terms of pure, untapped talent, there’s no question that Abdullah is the better choice.

Of course, potential is not the same as actualized skill. Tion Green, to his credit, has looked better than I expected through his first two NFL games. I still think he is showing mistakes too often—as to be expected with a rookie running back—which is why I think they should go with who I think is the safer bet in Abdullah.

However, with the way the Lions have been utilizing their backs, it seems highly likely that Green will be given the opportunity, should Riddick’s injury be serious enough.

Your turn.