Israel Abanikanda Injury News & Updates

The Cowboys signed Abanikanda to the practice squad Sunday.

Abanikanda was cut from the Packers' practice squad Sept. 8, and was a free agent throughout the 2025 season before Sunday's signing. The signing likely comes due to the presence of Phil Mafah (shoulder) and Miles Sanders (knee) being committed to injured reserve, and fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue's (coach's decision) consistent role as a healthy scratch.

Green Bay cut Abanikanda from the practice squad Monday.

The move makes room on the practice squad for Pierre Strong. Abanikanda stuck around with Green Bay on the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp, but the 2023 fifth-rounder will now be on the lookout for a team in need of backfield depth.

Abanikanda was signed to the Packers' practice squad Wednesday.

Abanikanda went unclaimed on waivers after being let go by the team Tuesday, and he will now stick around Green Bay as a member of the team's practice squad. The running back compiled 71 rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, while also adding two catches for 13 yards and 267 yards on 10 kickoff returns over three preseason contests with the Packers. Abanikanda could earn an elevation to the active roster for support at running back or as a return specialist in 2025.

The Packers cut Abanikanda on Tuesday, Bill Huber of SI.com reports.

Abanikanda put together a solid preseason in Green Bay, but he couldn't push Emanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) and Chris Brooks for a depth role behind Josh Jacobs. The Packers could opt to bring Abanikanda back as a member of the practice squad this season, if he doesn't find a role elsewhere.

Abanikanda had 12 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 23-10 preseason victory over the Jets. He also returned five kicks for 120 yards in the contest.

It was a busy Saturday afternoon for Abanikanda, who in addition to being busy on specials teams led the Packers in both carries and rushing yards. Abanikanda's chances of securing a roster spot will improve if MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) misses any sort of significant time, but he is still presumably behind both Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks -- and of course, starter Josh Jacobs -- on the depth chart.

Abanikanda (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Abanikanda's back after missing practice Tuesday and Wednesday. He's one of seven running backs currently with the team, but Abanikanda's unlikely to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, though a practice squad spot is a more realistic possibility.

Abanikanda (hamstring) did not practice Tuesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Abanikanda played 21 offensive snaps in the Packers' preseason opener against the Jets this past Saturday and rushed six times for 19 yards. With MarShawn Lloyd (groin) and Emanuel Wilson (knee) out for that one, Abanikanda played behind both Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks, so Abanikanda can't afford to miss much time if he's going to make a run at a 53-man roster spot.

Abanikanda had six carries for 19 yards in Saturday's 30-10 preseason loss to the Jets.

The Packers claimed Abanikanda off waivers in late July, and he made his first appearance with his new team in Green Bay's exhibition opener. He sits no higher than fifth on the depth chart, so barring an injury to another running back he will have his work cut out for him leading up to cutdown day.

The Packers claimed Abanikanda off waivers Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Abanikanda quickly found a new home after being waived by the 49ers on Thursday. The 2023 fifth-rounder spent the entire 2024 campaign on the Jets' practice squad, but he'll now have an opportunity to earn a spot on the Packers' 53-man roster. Chris Brooks, Amar Johnson (undisclosed) and Jalen White are Abanikanda's primary competitors for the fourth RB spot on the depth chart behind Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson.

The 49ers waived Abanikanda on Thursday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

After Jacob Cowing pulled his hamstring during Wednesday's practice, the 49ers added depth to their wide receiver room by cutting Abanikanda in order to make room on the 90-man training camp roster for Quintez Cephus. Abanikanda spent the entire 2024 season on the 49ers' practice squad, and he hasn't seen regular-season action since 2023 as a member of the Jets. Assuming he clears waivers, the 2023 fifth-round pick will look to catch on with a team looking to bolster its backfield depth.

Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 18 matchup versus Arizona, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.

Abanikanda will end the campaign in a familiar position, as he's been a healthy inactive on gameday throughout the season. The second-year running back didn't see any NFL action this year after getting into six games for the Jets in 2023. Abanikanda was claimed off waivers by San Francisco in early December but didn't get any looks despite the team's running-back room being decimated by injuries.

Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Lions, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.

Abanikanda will observe Monday night's game in street clothes due to the return of rookie Isaac Guerendo, who will presumably lead the 49ers' backfield while Patrick Taylor serves as the backup. Abanikanda's next and last chance to play this season will be against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's matchup with the Rams, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.

The running back was claimed off waivers by the 49ers on Dec. 3 with Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) both injured. Both remain on injured reserve, but Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor and Ke'Shawn Vaughn are San Francisco's active running backs for Thursday night. Abanikanda was inactive for each of the 12 games that he spent with the Jets this season before being waived.

San Francisco claimed Abanikanda off waivers Tuesday.

Despite being on the 53-man roster, Abanikanda was inactive for each of the Jets' 12 regular-season games before being waived Monday. With Christian McCaffrey (knee) placed on injured reserve and Jordan Mason (ankle) set to follow suit, Abanikanda should see meaningful playing time as the 49ers' backup running back behind fourth-round rookie Isaac Guerendo while Patrick Taylor is available to be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster. Abanikanda appeared in six regular-season games for the Jets in 2023 and logged 22 carries for 70 yards while adding seven catches (on 11 targets) for 43 yards.

Abanikanda was waived by the Jets on Monday.

Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round pick from Pittsburgh, had yet to appear in a game this season after falling down the team's depth chart. The 22-year-old recorded 22 carries for 70 yards over 75 offensive snaps in six games with the Jets in 2023. If he clears waivers, Abanikanda could land on the Jets' practice squad.

Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Abanikanda has yet to suit up this season. Breece Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will continue to lead the Jets' backfield.

Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the 49ers.

The Jets will roll with Breece Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis for the regular-season opener. Abanikanda will have to wait to make his first appearance of the 2024 season until Week 2 against Tennessee.

Abanikanda rushed the ball nine times for 83 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 10-6 preseason win over the Giants. He added one reception on one target for six yards.

Abanikanda served as the starting running back with Breece Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis all sitting out. That Abanikanda suited up indicates his spot on the running back depth chart, though he did make the play of the game when he ran through several attempted tackles for a 45-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. He'll enter cutdown day on the roster bubble, but even if he doesn't stick with the Jets, he should be able to find opportunity elsewhere around the league.

Abanikanda rushed the ball six times for 29 yards in Saturday's 15-12 preseason win over the Panthers.

Abanikanda was relatively efficient with his opportunity Saturday, highlighted by a 12-yard gain to kick off the second half. However, he entered the game after both Isaiah Davis and Braelon Allen for the second consecutive week, suggesting he is currently fourth on the running back depth chart. That leaves him with little projectable volume out of the backfield.

Abanikanda rushed six times for 17 yards and a touchdown while catching his only target for eight yards in Saturday's 20-17 preseason win over the Commanders.

Abanikanda entered in the second half after rookie fourth-round and fifth-round draft picks Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis played the first half. Allen seems to have cemented himself as the top backup to Breece Hall, leaving Davis and Abanikanda in a competition for the third spot on the running back depth chart. Davis has the edge due to his ability to contribute on special teams, but Abanikanda may have bolstered his chances slightly with a two-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Abanikanda will look to add to his case for a roster spot when the Jets continue preseason play next Saturday in Carolina.

Abanikanda appears to have fallen down the Jets' backfield depth chart this offseason, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

The Jets used fourth- and fifth-round picks on Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis back in April, and both have reportedly stood out in offseason practices. Abanikanda drew some summer hype last year but ultimately carried the ball 22 times for 70 empty yards (3.2 yards per carry) as a 2023 rookie. A fifth-round pick himself, Abanikanda could be on the roster bubble headed into the 2024 campaign.

Abanikanda rushed three times for six yards and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 17-3 win over the Patriots.

Abanikanda didn't see much work while Breece Hall rumbled for 178 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 37 rushing attempts in snowy conditions. Hall's the clear lead back in New York heading into the 2024 season, but Abanikanda could be his top backup if the Jets don't add reinforcements in the backfield. Abanikanda saw limited action after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, finishing his rookie season with 22 carries for 70 yards, in addition to seven catches for 43 yards on 11 targets.

Abanikanda rushed twice for three yards and brought in four of seven targets for 27 yards in the Jets' 37-20 loss to the Browns on Thursday night. He also returned one kickoff for 12 yards on which he lost a fumble.

The rookie saw nowhere the run he'd enjoyed during a nine-carry outing against the Commanders in Week 16, but he partly made up for it with a new career high in receptions and receiving yards. Abanikanda's fumble came on his one kickoff return, but it didn't lead to any Browns points. Abanikanda could be set for a busier day on the ground in the Week 18 finale against the Patriots on Jan. 7.

Abanikanda (ankle) is active to face the Browns on Thursday Night Football.

Abanikanda was limited throughout Week 17 prep, but he will be able to suit up against Cleveland on Thursday. The rookie running back logged a season-high nine carries for 43 yards against Washington last Sunday, and he appears to have surpassed Dalvin Cook on the depth chart. Abanikanda could thus handle around a handful of carries while working behind Breece Hall on Thursday.

Abanikanda (ankle) is questionable for Thursday night's Week 17 game against the Browns, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie running back was limited in practice all week. He's carried the ball 16 times over the last three weeks, generating 50 yards and no touchdowns while catching two passes for 11 scoreless yards in that span. If Abanikanda is forced to sit out Thursday, Dalvin Cook would jump back to No. 2 in the backfield behind Breece Hall.

Abanikanda (ankle) was a limited participant at the Jets' walkthrough practice Tuesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Abanikanda's availability for Thursday's game at Cleveland looks to be in danger because of a knee injury. If he can't practice in full Wednesday, he'll likely carry an injury designation into Thursday.

Abanikanda is listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimate due to an ankle injury, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Abanikanda has usurped Dalvin Cook as the Jets' No. 2 running back the past two games, combining for 38 offensive snaps to the latter's 15. As a result, Abanikanda has 13 carries for 51 yards (3.9 YPC) and two catches (on two targets) for 11 yards during that stretch, while Cook's ledger reads two touches for 10 total yards. With a health concern now in tow, Abanikanda's status will need to be monitored ahead of Thursday's game in Cleveland to get a sense of his chances to continue to serve as the primary backup to Breece Hall.

Abanikanda (ankle) rushed nine times for 43 yards and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 30-28 win over the Commanders.

Abanikanda came into the game with eight career carries, but he exceeded that total against Washington, suggesting that the ankle injury that limited the rookie's practice participation during the week isn't hindering his availability. Dalvin Cook finished without a carry or target, so Abanikanda seems to have supplanted Cook as the top backup to Breece Hall heading into Thursday's road game in Cleveland.

Abanikanda (ankle) is active ahead of Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Abanikanda was held to limited participation in practice throughout the week, but it now seems as if he'll be able to play through his ankle issue in Week 16. The rookie is expected to serve as the Jets' No. 3 running back behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook on Sunday.

Abanikanda (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Abanikanda was a limited participant in all three of the Jets' practices during the week. The 2023 fifth-round draft pick got a career-high six touches in New York's previous game, and Abanikanda could continue to work ahead of Dalvin Cook as the top alternative to starter Breece Hall if the rookie's healthy enough to suit up Sunday.

Abanikanda (ankle) was listed as limited on the Jets' estimated practice report Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Abanikanda totaled a season-high six touches in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, but he also appears to have come out of the game with an ankle injury. With the Jets out of playoff contention, the rookie running back could see extra work during the final three weeks of the season, as long as he can prove healthy enough to suit up. He'll work to ramp up his activity level in practice Thursday in anticipation of playing Week 16 against the Commanders.

Abanikanda rushed four times for eight yards and caught both of his targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 30-0 loss to the Dolphins.

Breece Hall led New York's backfield with seven touches, but Abanikanda was right behind him while Dalvin Cook got only two touches. Had the game stayed competitive longer, Hall would likely have finished with a larger share of the workload, but with the 5-9 Jets officially eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising to see Abanikanda supplant Cook as the primary backup to Hall down the stretch. Cook's finishing up a one-year deal, while Abanikanda could be in the team's plans for years to come after being selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Abanikanda rushed three times for minus-1 yard and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 30-6 win over the Texans.

Abanikanda got some second-half opportunities in the blowout win. The 2023 fifth-round draft pick out of Pitt has four carries for 10 yards and one catch on two targets for five yards while having appeared in two games so far.

Abanikanda (illness) is active for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Since the Jets waived Michael Carter on Nov. 14, Abanikanda has moved up to the third spot on the depth chart at running back. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh carried once for 11 yards and added a five-yard reception in a Week 11 loss to the Bills, but he didn't see any snaps in the Jets' Week 12 loss to the Dolphins. Though he's seemingly moved past the illness that resulted in him taking a questionable tag into the weekend, Abanikanda may not be guaranteed much more than garbage-time snaps against the Falcons while both Breece Hall (hamstring) and Dalvin Cook (shoulder) are available.

Abanikanda (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Falcons, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

The rookie running back out of Pittsburgh seems to be trending in the right direction to play Sunday, as he was able to log a limited practice session Friday after recording consecutive DNPs to begin the Jets' week of practice. Abanikanda's injury status will be something to look out for, as Dalvin Cook (shoulder) is also listed as questionable for Week 13's contest.

Abanikanda (illness) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

The exact nature of Abanikanda's ailment is not known at this point, but his Week 13 status is now in doubt either way. He'll probably need to get back to practice Thursday or Friday to have a chance to suit up Sunday versus the Falcons.

Abanikanda made his NFL debut in Sunday's 32-6 loss to the Bills, rushing once for 11 yards and adding one catch for five yards on two targets. He also returned one kickoff for 19 yards.

Abanikanda's third on the running back depth chart behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook, but with the game out of hand late, the 2023 fifth-round draft pick out of Pittsburgh got the opportunity to get his feet wet. While Abanikanda's breakaway speed could help him become a big play threat as his career develops, his lack of touches coupled with the ineffective play of the Jets' injury-riddled offensive line limit his short-term appeal.

Abanikanda moved up the Jets' depth chart Tuesday when they waived Michael Carter, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

When the Jets waived Carter Tuesday, about a quarter of their snaps at running back up to this point in 2023 left with him. Enter Abanikanda, who the Jets selected in the fifth round of the 2023 Draft after he rushed for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns in his age-20 season at Pittsburgh. Both of Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook are proven pass-catchers, and Hall is a uniquely-effective rusher, so it's not immediately clear where Abanikanda fits into the equation, but it shouldn't come as a surprise if he converts any touches he gets into plus yardage returns.

Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Bills.

Abanikanda was able to clear the Jets' injury report Thursday after dealing with a thigh contusion but will not play in the season opener. He's buried on the depth chart behind Dalvin Cook, Breece Hall and Michael Carter and will have to wait until Week 2 against the Cowboys to make his debut.

Abanikanda (thigh) wasn't listed on the Jets' injury report Thursday ahead of Monday's game versus the Bills, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

After a lightning-fast recovery from a thigh contusion he sustained less than three weeks ago, Abanikanda will be available to make his NFL debut in Week 1 should the Jets call his number. His path to touches off the bat is quite narrow, however, as he is buried on the depth chart behind one of the best running back trios in football in Breece Hall (knee), Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter.

Abanikanda (thigh) is slated to practice Tuesday, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.

Per the report, coach Robert Saleh noted his surprise at how quickly Abanikanda was able to bounce back from a thigh contusion. Now that the 2023 fifth-rounder is back on the field, he'll gear up for Week 1 action, at which time Abanikanda is slated to work in a depth role behind fellow RBs Breece Hall (knee), Dalvin Cook (shoulder) and Michael Carter.

Abanikanda (thigh) is expected to be sidelined for a couple weeks, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

The rookie running back suffered a thigh contusion in the Jets' third preseason contest against the Bucs last weekend. Through three exhibitions, Abanikanda has rushed 25 times for 113 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and one touchdown, adding five catches for 37 yards on five targets. With Dalvin Cook now in town, Abanikanda is likely to open the year as the Jets' RB4 behind Cook, Breece Hall and Michael Carter.

Abanikanda won't return to Saturday's preseason contest against the Buccaneers due to a thigh injury.

Abanikanda appeared to suffer a knee-to-knee injury with a Jets offensive lineman, but the Jets confirmed its nature not long after he was helped off the field and carted to the locker room. Considering he couldn't put any weight on his right leg, the rookie fifth-round pick seems slated for an absence of some type. New York held Breece Hall (knee), newcomer Dalvin Cook (shoulder) and Michael Carter out Saturday, which leaves Zonovan Knight and Travis Dye as the team's only healthy and available running backs.

Abanikanda's path to playing time as a rookie got substantially tougher Monday, as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the Jets have agreed to a one-year contract with Dalvin Cook (shoulder).

Abanikanda has performed well in the preseason, but the 2023 fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh has been working behind Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight in practice. All three of those healthy running backs are expected to be behind Breece Hall (knee) and Cook once Hall and Cook are healthy, so Abanikanda now faces an uphill climb to make the roster in 2023, let alone contribute meaningfully in his rookie year.

Abanikanda rushed 12 times for 56 yards and caught all three of his targets for 31 yards in Saturday's 27-0 preseason win over the Panthers.

Abanikanda came in on the Jets' third possession after Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight split the first two. The rookie fifth-round pick is gaining on Knight for the third-string spot, as Abanikanda has impressed in each of the Jets' first two preseason games; he scored a 10-yard touchdown in the Hall of Fame Game the previous week. Abanikanda will have two more preseason games to make his case for surpassing Knight, starting with an Aug. 19 home game against the Buccaneers.

Abanikanda rushed nine times for 27 yards and a touchdown and brought in his only target for five yards during the Jets' 21-16 preseason loss to the Browns in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

The rookie fifth-round pick started the game and played up until just before the halfway point of the second quarter, scoring a 10-yard touchdown around left end on his final play with 9:04 remaining in the first half. Abanikanda gained just 17 yards on his other eight carries, so he wasn't exactly a study in efficiency. The rookie, who had a spectacular 1,431-yard, 20-touchdown season during his final college season at Pittsburgh a year ago, has reportedly been clearly behind incumbents Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight early in training camp and will look to achieve more carry-to-carry consistency during a road preseason matchup against the Panthers a week from Saturday.

Abanikanda hasn't pushed Michael Carter or Zonovan Knight for reps in camp early on, as New York's coaching staff is looking for a greater sense of urgency from the rookie fifth-round pick, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

According to coach Robert Saleh, Breece Hall needed a similar ramp-up period as a rookie last season to learn how to run through contact in NFL practices. With Hall recovering from a torn ACL, Abanikanda should get plenty of opportunities in training camp, and the rookie took a step in the right direction with a 50-yard touchdown run in Tuesday's practice.

The Jets selected Abanikanda in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 143rd overall.

Abanikanda (5-foot-10, 216 pounds) is one of the most talented runners in the draft both in the sense of skill and tools, so this is a great pick for the Jets. It's one of the worst landing spots for Abanikanda in terms of playing time opportunities, however, because while former Pittsburgh star projects as an eventual NFL starter he is definitely not on Breece Hall's level as a prospect. Still, Abanikanda has sub-4.5 speed and unique explosiveness on a workhorse-viable frame, and he could pose an immediate threat to Michael Carter as the team's RB2. More likely, though, Abanikanda will start out as the Jets' RB3, especially since he won't turn 21 until October.

The Jets selected Abanikanda in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 143rd overall.

Abanikanda (5-foot-10, 216 pounds) is one of the most talented runners in the draft both in the sense of skill and tools, so this is a great pick for the Jets. It's one of the worst landing spots for Abanikanda in terms of playing time opportunities, however, because while former Pittsburgh star projects as an eventual NFL starter he is definitely not on Breece Hall's level as a prospect. Still, Abanikanda has sub-4.5 speed and unique explosiveness on a workhorse-viable frame, and he could pose an immediate threat to Michael Carter as the team's RB2. More likely, though, Abanikanda will start out as the Jets' RB3, especially since he won't turn 21 until October.