The Dallas Cowboys have made a strategic adjustment to their backfield depth, bringing back familiar face and former New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda to their practice squad.
The transaction comes on the heels of a brief procedural shuffle in the Lone Star State. As reported by The Athletic’s Jon Machota on September 17, the Cowboys initially waived Abanikanda to accommodate the signing of running back Tyler Goodson off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. However, after successfully clearing waivers, Abanikanda quickly re-signed with Dallas, returning to the exact practice squad spot he occupied prior to a recent injury sidelining Malik Davis.
The Cowboys later confirmed the official transaction, locking in the young runner as they look to shore up their depth ahead of the grueling weeks ahead.
A Look Back at Abanikanda’s Journey
For New York Jets fans, Abanikanda remains a familiar name. The Jets originally selected the dynamic product out of the University of Pittsburgh in the fifth round with the 143rd overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft.
During his time in the professional ranks, the former Panthers standout has logged 70 career rushing yards on 20 carries, alongside adding seven receptions for 43 yards. While his opportunities have been somewhat limited, he has flashed notable dual-threat ability and contributes heavily on special teams—including taking on duties in the return game—making him a valuable asset for back-end roster construction.
After the Jets cut ties with the running back in 2024, Abanikanda embarked on a journeyman path that included brief stints with both the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers before finding his current opportunity in Dallas.
Scouting Report and What He Brings to Dallas
Before entering the league, NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Abanikanda’s intriguing physical profile and raw traits, noting his ideal size for early downs and blistering top-end speed.
“A zone-scheme runner with early down size, Abanikanda can be a bit inconsistent with his reads and tempo early in the run. However, he has plant-and-go agility and is able to snap off cuts at tight angles to elude short-area traffic when needed. He has terrific top-end speed to gash a poorly fitted run front,” Zierlein wrote prior to the 2023 draft.
While analysts noted that he still requires growth in his downhill decisiveness and running discipline to consistently beat NFL defensive speed, his natural talent gives him a strong foundation to compete for a backup role and climb depth charts when injuries strike.
Barring an unexpected, deep postseason collision between the two franchises, Jets fans won’t have to worry about a potential revenge game from Abanikanda this year. For now, the running back is entirely focused on putting his head down, making the most of his latest lifeline in the NFC East, and proving his long-term value to the Cowboys organization.
