No help coming: Green running backs will carry Lions' load

Tra Carson (34) got the start at running back and saw the most touches at the position in the Lions' win over the Giants. (Photo: Rick Osentoski, Associated Press)

With names like Melvin Gordon and Le’Veon Bell available, Kenyan Drake already moved and Kerryon Johnson once again hurt, the Lions were rumored to be in the market for a running back.

But as Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline passed, general manager Bob Quinn declined to go hunting big names like Gordon or Bell — or even trying his hand with a lesser name to fortify his inexperienced group.

So it as that, as of Tuesday night, the Lions were rolling with Tra Carson, Ty Johnson, J.D. McKissic and Paul Perkins with a salvageable season…