Zach Zenner, Justin Forsett to split duties in depleted Lions backfield
— -- The Detroit Lions will be without their top two running backs Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams as Dwayne Washington will not play, a source told ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.
This leaves Detroit with second-year pro Zach Zenner and recently-signed veteran Justin Forsett as the two backs in the Lions backfield.
Washington suffered his ankle injury against Chicago in Week 4. He did not play in Week 5 and sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday this week. He returned to practice on a limited basis Friday, but had looked good running and cutting off on the side earlier in the week.
He had been listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. The Lions, at that time, had ruled out starting running back Theo Riddick with an ankle injury. Detroit is already without its No. 1 running back to start the year, Ameer Abdullah, who is on injured reserve after foot surgery.
Forsett signed with the Lions on Tuesday after being released from Baltimore earlier in October. He had 31 carries for 98 yards this season for the Ravens. Zenner has 10 carries this season for 21 yards and three receptions for 45 yards this season.
Detroit could also use more of receiver Golden Tate in the backfield for the second straight week. He had three carries for six yards.
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