The Detroit Lions will no longer use a fullback and newly acquired Matt Asiata will play running back, though Ameer Abdullah remains the starter.
The Lions signed Asiata to a one-year deal and waived fullback Michael Burton and coach Jim Caldwell said today the release of Burton is part of a schematic change away from a traditional fullback role, even though Asiata has played the position before.
“The reason why Burton’s no longer here is because that position as you’d call it (designated as a) fullback, is not part of how we function,” he said.