Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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irish in the pros though Riddick did not perform in that role in his final three seasons at Notre Dame, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz has lined him up at the front of the end zone at times in the preseason. "Every time during practice, I was always back there during kickoffs," Riddick said. "I participated in all four of my years as a kick returner, even though I didn't start there after my freshman year. I'm definitely interested in that aspect of special teams." Riddick's production improved throughout the preseason and elevated his game for the third preseason contest, typically looked at as the most important of the four exhibitions. After rushing for just 18 yards on six carries in the Lions' first two preseason games, Riddick rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown on nine carries and had a 10-yard reception in a 40-9 win over the New England Patriots. Schwartz has been impressed by Riddick's ability to catch the ball. The rookie caught two touchdown passes in the preseason finale against the Bills with a roster spot on the line. "I think Riddick has really stepped in during training camp and done some nice things, particularly in the passing game," Schwartz said. Riddick understands the advantage of being successful at different aspects of the game when pushing for a coveted final spot on an NFL roster. "Versatility definitely," Riddick said. "Being able to run the ball and catch it out of the backfield and make people miss." Lions running backs coach Curtis Modkins said Riddick has a long way to go, but that the team can already see the value of drafting him. "He's doing a good job of justifying why we drafted him," he said. "He's like any of the other rookies out there, he's got a ways to go, with the learning curve and the learning process, but I think he's getting it. "Every day he's improving his knowledge of the playbook for when he'll be able to go out and play with that versatility. I've been pleased with him so far." NFL Rookie Update Through Aug. 29 • Tyler Eifert (Played at Notre Dame from 2009‑12), TE, Cincinnati Bengals: Caught three passes for 32 yards in Cincinnati's second preseason game after going without a reception in the team's first exhibition … Missed the third and fourth preseason contests with a wrist injury … Listed second on the team's depth chart at tight end behind Jermaine Gresham. • Kapron Lewis-Moore (2008-12), DE, Baltimore Ravens: Currently rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee and will likely do so throughout his rookie season after being selected by the Ravens in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. • Zeke Motta (2009-12), S, Atlanta Falcons: Battling for one of Atlanta's 53 roster spots after being picked in the seventh round of April's NFL Draft … Recorded 11 tackles in the team's four preseason games. • Manti Te'o (2009-12), LB, San Diego Chargers: Had walking boot removed Aug. 27 after wearing it since spraining his right foot in the team's preseason opener … His availability for San Diego's season opener Sept. 9 has not yet been determined. • Robby Toma (2009-12), WR, Free Agent: Was released by the Arizona Cardinals Aug. 21. • Cierre Wood (2009-12), RB, Houston Texans: The undrafted free agent carried the ball 16 times for 84 yards and had two catches for 20 yards in the Texans' first three preseason games before breaking out for 136 total yards (107 rushing) in the preseason finale. ✦