Matthew Stafford

WATCH: Lions rookie Abdullah burns Jets' defenders for 45 yards

Published Aug. 14, 2015 10:47 a.m. ET

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The Detroit Lions opened their preseason slate against the New York Jets on Thursday night, and rookie running back Ameer Abdullah provided the game's biggest play.

Fancy footwork. Cuts on dime. And can pick up 46 yards in a blink. Football fans.. meet Ameer Abdullah. #NYJvsDET http://t.co/FY4EhwL4ir
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2015

Halfway through the first quarter, Abdullah took a handoff from quarterback Matthew Stafford, shook a Jets defender in the backfield and sprinted downfield for a 45-yard gain. Watch the entire play unfold below, courtesy of a Tweet by the NFL's official account.

Abdullah totaled 67 yards rushing on seven carries in his preseason debut.

With Joique Bell still on the physically unable perform (PUP) list, Abdullah is establishing himself as the Lions' top running back. If Abdullah is the team's featured back this season, Bell can still be a valuable power back and Theo Riddick can serve as the third-down back.

(h/t Bleacher Report)

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