Detroit Lions sign running back Justin Forsett

The Detroit Lions have taken a step toward addressing a depth issue at running back, signing Justin Forsett.

With Ameer Abdullah (foot) possibly out for the season, and rookie Dwayne Washington dealing with foot and ankle issues that sidelined him for Week 5, the Detroit Lions were in need of some reinforcement at running back. They hosted veteran Justin Forsett for a workout on Monday, and on Tuesday a move has been made.

Forsett played three games for the Baltimore Ravens this season, but he was cut last week after being a surprise healthy inactive the previous Sunday. He had just 31 carries for 98 yards (3.2 yards per carry), with 11 catches for 36 yards in those three contests, and it appears Forsett was made the first scapegoat for a struggling Ravens’ running game.

Forsett missed the final six games of last season with a broken arm, and at close to 31 years old he was not part of an apparent youth movement in the Ravens’ running back mix. But he had a breakout season for Baltimore in 2014, setting career-highs in carries (235), rushing yards (1,266), rushing touchdowns (eight) and receptions (44), and that’s the player Detroit surely hopes they’re getting now.

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Since he suited up for Baltimore just three weeks ago, and is presumably still in good playing shape, Forsett should be in uniform for the Lions right away on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. How much immediate work he’ll see is a question though, with Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner in the mix along with the chance Washington will play. But if Forsett grasps Detroit’s playbook quickly, he should soon step into what passes for a lead role in a potential backfield committee.