Fantasy: Takeaways from Thursday's preseason games

Every game night during the preseason, theScore's NFL Editors will provide their fantasy observations from around the league.

Ameer is Coming

There isn't much more Ameer Abdullah can do to generate excitement among fantasy owners. The Lions rookie back was outstanding in his preseason debut Thursday, rushing for 67 yards on seven carries, including a 45-yard burst through the Jets defense.

Even the most cynical of Lions fans, who were burned by the injury-shortened career of Jahvid Best, must be warming to their new weapon.

Joique Bell is expected to return to practice within the next week, but it might be difficult to keep both Abdullah and his ADP down at this point.

Notable Performances

Jonas Gray, RB, Patriots
7 carries, 74 yards, TD
Gray didn't have a problem racking up yards in the preseason opener, including a 55-yard touchdown run. With LeGarrette Blount dealing with an MCL sprain and facing a one-game suspension to start the year, Gray will have a chance to get back in Bill Belichick's good graces. It's also worth noting that James White, who is competing for the passing down role, had four receptions for 52 yards, but managed just 12 yards on eight carries.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers
6 carries, 11 yards
Gordon certainly lacked the flare of fellow rookie Abdullah. In addition to not doing much with his carries, Gordon had a touchdown stolen from him when passing-down back Danny Woodhead took an 8-yard draw in for the score. Woodhead will be a nuisance for Gordon owners, but there is enough value in San Diego for both players to be fantasy contributors this season.

Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Ravens
12 carries, 36 yards, TD, 2 receptions, 18 yards
Taliaferro came away with a small victory in the battle to be Justin Forsett's backup. Rookie Javorius "Buck" Allen had similar stats, 11 carries for 35 yards, but failed to record a catch and was the third back off the bench. We'll continue to monitor this competition over the next month.

Golden Tate, WR, Lions
2 receptions, 57 yards, TD
Abdullah wasn't the only Lion breaking off big plays. Tate caught a pass over the middle and accelerated past the defense and into the end zone for a 35-yard score. Tate has been a WR1 when Calvin Johnson isn't in the lineup, and Megatron sat out Thursday's contest.

Josh Hill, TE, Saints
3 receptions, 40 yards
Perhaps Hill's offseason hype train still has a little hope. Hill wasn't playing with the starters, but he was the team's leading receiver on the night. In the quest to replace Jimmy Graham, Hill is more of a lottery ticket than a legit fantasy option.

Injury Ward

Niles Paul, TE, Redskins
It's an unfortunate byproduct of preseason football, but Paul was lost for the season after what head coach Jay Gruden called an "ankle fracture dislocation." If Jordan Reed, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, can stay healthy, he could have low-end TE1 value.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears
Though he didn't suffer the injury in the Bears' preseason outing, Jeffery was seen with a walking boot and crutches after the game. He's reportedly day-to-day with a strained calf.

Jace Amaro, TE, Jets
The second-year tight end exited Thursday's game with a shoulder injury. The extent of the injury is unknown. Amaro is hoping to carve out a bigger role in the offense, but he should be considered a TE2 for fantasy purposes.

Saints DST
It wasn't a great night for the New Orleans defense. Brandon Browner was carted off with a leg injury, while Dannell Ellerbe and Delvin Breaux were also forced from the contest. Losses on their defense could impact the Saints' plan to run a more balanced offense this season.

Matt Jones, RB, Redskins
The rookie underwent a concussion test during the game and passed. Other than the brief injury scare, Jones was impressive racking up 49 yards on six touches. He was one of 10 deep sleepers we identified for the 2015 season.

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