Lions Work Out RB Jay Ajayi

The Lions will work out running back Jay Ajayi on Friday, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). Ajayi, one of the most intriguing free agents in the NFL, could provide an immediate boost for a team in need of backfield help. 

[RELATED: Lions, Falcons Discussed Devonta Freeman Trade]

Before his injury-shortened 2018, Ajayi posted two strong back-to-back campaigns. In 2016, he earned his first career Pro Bowl nod as he averaged 4.9 yards per carry for the Dolphins. In 2017, a midseason trade sent him to the Eagles, where he averaged 5.8 yards per tote off of 70 tries and captured his first ever Super Bowl ring. The advanced metrics echo the traditional stats, too: Ajayi is one of the best RBs in the league, when he’s on the field.

The Lions have been after running back support since Kerryon Johnson hit the injured reserve list in October. That search pointed them towards Devonta Freeman and other running backs prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline, but they weren’t able to get a deal done.

The Lions are 3-3-1 heading into Sunday’s game against the Raiders. After that, they’ll round out November with games against the Bears, Cowboys, Redskins, and Bears (again).

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