Matthew Tucker's Fantasy Scouting Report Following LeSean McCoy's Thumb Injury

Philadelphia Eagles fans held their breath when LeSean McCoy left Thursday’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it represented an opportunity for Matthew Tucker.

He certainly took advantage and finished with 46 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer was particularly impressed:

As for McCoy, NFL on ESPN and Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 provided some encouraging updates:

The fact that the injury does not appear serious is clearly good news, but it definitely impacts Tucker’s fantasy value. Philadelphia sports a crowded backfield with McCoy and Darren Sproles, so it will be difficult for Tucker to get enough carries to have any real fantasy value.

One encouraging thing when it comes to Tucker in fantasy football is the fact that he does play in the Eagles offense. Chip Kelly prefers an uptempo attack, which means more offensive plays in every game. More plays means more total yardage, but it also means the regulars may have to take some plays off to maintain their freshness during the season.

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

The key for Tucker if he wants to see the field in the regular season is beating out Chris Polk for the third running back spot. If he continues to impress in preseason, he may do just that.

Kelly discussed the race for roster spots, via Martin Frank of The News Journal:

“They have to understand … if you're going to be down the depth chart at the running back spot, it's your contributions on special teams [that could make the difference]. So we'll see where those guys fit in on that standpoint.”

At least Tucker has the blueprint.