Ameer Abdullah proved that his training camp hype was justified during his preseason debut. Abdullah rushed for 67 yards on seven carries as the team's starter. Joique Bell was held out of the game as he recovers from knee and Achilles tendon surgery from January. With Bell sidelined, many thought Abdullah would lead the depth chart heading in the Week 2 of preseason. Instead, Theo Riddick is listed as the team's RB1. Riddick rushed eight times for 35 yards in the preseason opener.
Ameer Abdullah behind Theo Riddick on Lions’ depth chart, fantasy value holds steady
Ameer Abdullah will need to continue playing at a high level to earn his keep. We take a look at the fantasy implications.
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Abdullah, who was touted as “about as quick as Barry Sanders” by coach Jim Caldwell, is likely being tested to earn his spot. Riddick has never offered much on the ground. He excels in the passing game. Abdullah excels at both.
Fantasy impact: Abdullah’s fantasy stock shouldn’t be shaken here. As long as he keeps proving himself to coaches and fans on the field, the second-round pick will earn a significant workload. It may be discouraging to some who felt his fantasy stock was taking a jump after Thursday’s game. However, preseason can create a lot of overreactions. Abdullah is still a top-three rookie running back in 2015 and an intriguing flex option with PPR upside.
