Israel Abanikanda - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Inks reserve/future deal with DAL Dallas signed Abanikanda to a reserve/future contract Tuesday.

Impact Abanikanda signed with the Cowboys' practice squad in November after he spent training camp and the preseason with Green Bay. A fifth-round pick by the Jets in 2023, Abanikanda hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since that rookie season.

JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Signs with Dallas The Cowboys signed Abanikanda to the practice squad Sunday.

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cut from Packers' practice squad Green Bay cut Abanikanda from the practice squad Monday.

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Hanging around Green Bay Abanikanda was signed to the Packers' practice squad Wednesday.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Let go by Green Bay The Packers cut Abanikanda on Tuesday, Bill Huber of SI.com reports.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Finds paydirt for Packers 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.

Impact 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.

AUGUST 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Game Notes: Tyron Herring comes up big in Packers' thrilling comeback Israel Abanikanda sparks offense, Sean Clifford finishes rally

AUGUST 16, 2025 • PACKERS.COM

Israel Abanikanda: 'I wanted to show out today and show what I bring to the table'

AUGUST 16, 2025 • YOUTUBE

Richardson starts fast, Packers finish strong to rally past Colts 23-19 in preseason

Anthony Richardson completed six of his first eight passes, leading the Indianapolis Colts to a touchdown on his first series before the Green Bay Packers rallied late for a 23-19...

AUGUST 16, 2025 • Associated Press

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

Impact 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.

AUGUST 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

AUGUST 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

AUGUST 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Rich Bisaccia on Israel Abanikanda: 'We're excited for the direction he's going in' Assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia spoke to the media on Sunday as the Green Bay Packers get prepared for a presea...

AUGUST 10, 2025 • PACKERS.COM

Packers announce roster moves | July 26, 2025 Green Bay claims RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers; signs CB Garnett Hollis Jr.

JULY 26, 2025 • PACKERS.COM

Finds home in Green Bay The Packers claimed Abanikanda off waivers Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Impact 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.

JULY 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

JULY 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Not suiting up in season finale Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 18 matchup versus Arizona, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.

Impact 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.

JANUARY 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy scratch for Week 17 Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Lions, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 31, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Claimed by 49ers San Francisco claimed Abanikanda off waivers Tuesday.

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Cut by Jets Abanikanda was waived by the Jets on Monday.

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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

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

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Monday Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the 49ers.

Impact The Jets will roll with running backs 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.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Monday Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the 49ers.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Israel Abanikanda Shines in Jets' Preseason Win New York’s fifth-round rookie from 2023 did exactly what he needed to do to earn a roster spot.

AUGUST 25, 2024 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

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Richardson starts fast, Packers finish strong to rally past Colts 23-19 in preseason