When the Detroit Lions released their first depth chart of the season, the slightest bit of concern creeped up when Ameer Abdullah was listed third behind Joique Bell and Theo Riddick. Abdullah clearly outperformed Riddick in the preseason. Now fantasy owners and DFS players can get excited about Abdullah's role again thanks to the latest report on his involvement in the offense.

Lions' offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi made it clear that Abdullah will have a prominent role this week against the San Diego Chargers. On his role Sunday, Lombardi said Abdullah will "get a chance to run the ball and he's going to be extensively used in the passing game."

Lombardi emphasizing Abdullah playing a major role in the passing game draws a cheer from those who have him in PPR are leagues or are playing him on FanDuel, where you get 0.5 point per reception. Getting Abdullah the ball in space allows him to use some of those shifty moves on defenders, quickly making cuts and exploding through the secondary for a big play.

Detroit has seen how big of a playmaker Abdullah can be, both when he is working as a running back, receiver and return man. His listing as Detroit's third-string running back was simply just the Lions trying to play the veteran game and make the rookie running back "earn" the bigger title.

Joique Bell is still the Lions starting running back, even after missing most of training camp and the preseason. He is more of a grinding back, fighting inside the lane for yards, but an Achilles and knee injury have dampened what he was.

For now he will get a bulk of the carries, but it's only a matter of time before Abdullah takes over the reigns, becomes a top-15 running back in PPR leagues and a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the year. He is an excellent FLEX play in both season-long leagues and DFS this week.