Kevin Smith Likely Out For Lions Preseason Finale: Fantasy Implications

Kevin Smith will likely sit the Detroit Lions' preseason finale Thursday while dealing with an ongoing ankle injury, head coach Jim Schwartz told media Tuesday. Smith left last Saturday's preseason game against the Oakland Raiders and did not return, but Schwartz said that the injury isn't long-term.

Analysis: Smith should be fine for the season opener, making him the Lions running back to own in fantasy leagues at the moment. What happens when Mikel LeShoure returns from a two-game suspension remains to be seen, however, not to mention the prospect of Jahvid Best actually being nearly 100 percent when he returns from the PUP list. Smith may be able to give you some nice production in the short-term, but his long-term value makes him a late-round target in standard league fantasy drafts.