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In a somewhat surprising move, the Detroit Lions will apparently be adding more help to their backfied. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Lions are signing former Eagles fourth-round pick Donnel Pumphrey after his workout today:
The #Lions are signing former #Eagles RB Donnel Pumphrey, per @MikeGarafolo and me. Some help in the backfield.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 4, 2018
This is a pretty stunning development considering the Lions’ backfield depth, and it certainly brings into question whether there is a trade or cut coming. Ameer Abdullah has been the source of a lot of trade speculation, and the man who drafted him—Martin Mayhew, now part of the 49ers’ personnel department—is in need of a back after Jerick McKinnon tore his ACL.
UPDATE: This is a practice squad signing, not an addition to the 53-man roster.
Donnel Pumphrey has what I tend to call a typical straight line profile. Good speed, little else. Lack of explosion is a big reason Pumphrey has struggled as a pro, as it's a trait used to illustrate how quickly he can get up to speed in a more frenetic environment than a track. pic.twitter.com/pvxYPVF5dX
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) September 3, 2018
As for Pumphrey, he set all sorts of records at San Diego State in his four-year career, including all-time rushing record among NCAA Division 1 schools. With the Eagles, however, he only lasted a season, and in his rookie year ended in September after tearing a hamstring and being placed on injured reserve.
UPDATE: This is apparently a practice squad signing, per Ian Rapoport.
The #Lions are signing former #Eagles RB Donnel Pumphrey, per @MikeGarafolo and me. Some help in the backfield.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 4, 2018