5 players to watch in Thursday's preseason games

Week 1 of the 2015 NFL preseason gets underway Thursday with a slate of six games, and there are some intriguing storylines to keep an eye on. Will Johnny Football make a comeback? How will the Jets fare without Geno Smith?

Here are five players to watch Thursday night:

Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns

The Browns have maintained all offseason that veteran journeyman Josh McCown will be their starting quarterback, but there are reasons to be encouraged by Manziel both on and off the field.

Manziel has, by all accounts, matured since his disastrous rookie campaign. The former Heisman Trophy winner also lit up the field – albeit against the second-team defense – during the Browns' recent intrasquad scrimmage, completing 9-of-11 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

Tuesday's game pits Manziel against the Washington Redskins, whom he famously flipped the bird to during last year's preseason.

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Detroit Lions

The early returns on Abdullah have been extremely complimentary, with Lions running backs coach Curtis Modkins praising the rookie's "unique ability" and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin noting how difficult it is to tackle him.

Abdullah is currently listed behind Theo Riddick on the depth chart, but with Joique Bell working his way back from knee and Achilles surgeries, he should get plenty of opportunities during the preseason. Some even believe Abdullah could emerge as the Lions' top back.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, New England Patriots

If Tom Brady's suspension holds, the Patriots will be handing over the reins to Garoppolo for the first four games of the regular season. That puts a lot of pressure on a second-year quarterback who has yet to start an NFL game.

Garoppolo is expected to receive the majority of the reps in the Patriots' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. Based on recent reports out of training camp, he still has a lot left to prove.

Garoppolo is 52-of-79 with two interceptions in 7-on-7 work thus far and 134-of-207 with three interceptions in 11-on-11s, according to Doug Kyed of NESN.com, who noted that Tuesday's practice session "wasn't pretty."

Randy Gregory, DE, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys may have nabbed the steal of the draft with their second-round selection of Gregory, who was considered by some to be a top-10 talent. While the rookie pass rusher has shown flashes in camp, the team should get a better feel for what he's capable of after Thursday's game.

Head coach Jason Garrett indicated Tuesday that Greg Hardy will play in the preseason opener, but Gregory should see plenty of action at right-side defensive end regardless.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, New York Jets

With Smith sidelined for 6-10 weeks with a broken jaw, it's "next man up" for the Jets. Fans will get their first look at the "next man" Thursday against the Detroit Lions.

Fitzpatrick was acquired in March from the Houston Texans, with whom he went 6-6 last season while completing 63.1 percent of his passes for 2,483 yards, 17 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

The 32-year-old played under offensive coordinator Chan Gailey in Buffalo, so he's familiar with the Jets' offense. But with minimal starting reps under his belt, Fitzpatrick hasn't had an opportunity to develop on-field chemistry with his teammates, making the next four weeks crucial.