Detroit expects rookie cornerback Keith Abney to take on a larger role against the New York Jets in Week 3 after secondary injuries. Coach Dan Campbell said Abney has shown he deserves more responsibility; the fifth-round pick may also get work at safety.
Abney played 25 snaps in the slot in Week 1, then was inactive in Week 2 after Christian Izien returned from illness. Avonte Maddox’s Week 2 injury is expected to move Izien toward safety, leaving Abney and Roger McCreary likely to rotate in the slot.
Campbell praised Abney as a smart, aware rookie who still needs repetitions. Abney played outside cornerback in college and has been used in the slot since joining Detroit; Campbell said the team could shift him to safety more if needed.
