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News | Minnesota Vikings – vikings.com

5 Things to Know About Vikings New RB Ameer Abdullah

View images of Vikings new running back Ameer Abdullah in 100 photos from his days with the Detroit Lions.

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings added a former divisional foe to the running backs group on Wednesday by signing Ameer Abdullah to the roster.

The 25-year-old is in fourth season in the league and played for the Lions before he was released by Detroit earlier this week. Abdullah was inactive Sunday against the Vikings.

Here are five things to know about the newest Minnesota Viking:

1. A familiar face

Abdullah has played four career games against the Vikings, including two division games in both 2015 and 2017. He has 40 career carries for 160 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota.

Abdullah also has six career kickoff returns for 163 yards (27.2 per attempt) against the Vikings.

2. Career stats

Abdullah has 327 career carries for 1,251 yards [3.8 yards per carry] with six rushing touchdowns. He is also an option out of the backfield with 57 career catches for 420 yards and three scores.

3. Threat in the return game

Abdullah has never returned a punt in his NFL career, but he has been among the better kick returners in recent years.

He has 49 career kickoff returns for 1,363 yards for an average of 27.8 yards per return. He has a career-long of 104 yards on a kickoff return against Green Bay in 2015 but was tackled at the 1-yard line.

Abdullah led the league in kickoff returns (37) and kickoff return yardage (1,077) in 2015.

4. Second-round selection

Abdullah was a second-round pick by the Lions, and was the 54th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Other Vikings players who were the 54th overall pick include former wide receiver Sammy White, former tackle Phil Loadholt and current cornerback Mackensie Alexander.

5. A former Husker

Abdullah played collegiately at Nebraska and ranks first in school history with 5,278 total yards from scrimmage. His 46 offensive touchdowns and 48 total scores rank third.

Abdullah is second among all Cornhuskers with 4,588 career rushing yards. His 39 rushing touchdowns rank fifth.

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