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Abdullah Has Been an Underrated Asset for the Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah makes his presence felt in other ways despite being the backup to one of the league's top running backs, Josh Jacobs.
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Las Vegas Raiders veteran running back Ameer Abdullah is in his ninth NFL season.

While his days as a starter are likely behind him, Abdullah has found ways to contribute in other areas of the game, primarily on special teams.

For players of his caliber, it can be difficult to accept a more under-the-radar role. 

The 5-9, 203-pound Abdullah was a second-round selection (No. 54 overall) by the Detroit Lions in 2015 out of Nebraska and has made the most of it, doing whatever he can to help his team, which speaks volumes to Raiders Interim Coach Antonio Pierce.

"[H]ere's a guy, one of the first guys that are down there on kickoff, on special teams going down there," Pierce told reporters. "He makes huge tackles. I don't know if -- he has 10-plus tackles on special teams, which is a good year for a special teams player. 

"But just his physicality -- you look at him, you wouldn't think anything about that, right? But he's one of the stronger players. He plays with that chip on his shoulder, he's very dynamic. 

"And then in the passing game for us on third down, there is his ability to make plays. And obviously, we've got to keep working on that and growing that role for him as well, but I just appreciate the unselfishness. Here's an elite running back, a guy who can really change the game probably for most teams and he has to take a step back because we have one of the best running backs [Josh Jacobs]."

Ameer Abdullah is an underrated asset for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ameer Abdullah is an underrated asset for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Abdullah is in his second season with the Silver and Black and this season, he has totaled 30 rushing yards on five carries and has 85 receiving yards on 12 receptions. He has also recorded 543 kick return yards with an average of 20.9 yards per return.

As a Raider, Abdullah has posted 50 rushing yards on nine carries and 296 receiving yards and a touchdown on 37 receptions.

The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.

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