Israel Abanikanda, Stats, Highlights, and 2025 NFL Outlook

Quick Answer

Israel Abanikanda is a 23-year-old running back currently on the Dallas Cowboys roster after a winding path through four NFL franchises since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. As of August 2026, his NFL career statistics remain modest—22 career carries for 70 yards and zero touchdowns—but his college production at Pittsburgh suggests untapped potential that NFL teams keep taking chances on.

His 2025 season with the Cowboys saw him contribute primarily as a depth option, with 7 receptions for 43 yards supplementing his limited rushing workload.

Key Facts

• Drafted by the New York Jets with the No. 143 overall pick in Round 5 of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh
• Currently with his fourth NFL franchise—the Dallas Cowboys—after stints with the Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Green Bay Packers
• Career NFL statistics through 2025: 22 carries, 70 rushing yards, 3.2 yards per carry average, 0 touchdowns, 7 receptions, 43 receiving yards
• Stands 5-foot-10 to 5-foot-11 and weighs between 215-217 pounds depending on the source
• Recorded nine 100-yard rushing games during his junior season at Pitt, the most by a Panthers player since Dion Lewis recorded 10 in 2009
• Was a healthy scratch for a Week 17 game during the 2025 season due to coach's decision while with the 49ers
• Has dealt with thigh and hamstring injuries during his young NFL career
• The Cowboys signed him to their practice squad before elevating him to the active roster

From Brooklyn to Pitt The College Resume That Built the Hype

Israel Abanikanda's journey to the NFL started in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended Abraham Lincoln High School—a program with a storied history of producing football talent. His high school pedigree made him a sought-after recruit, and he ultimately chose to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Junior Season That Put Him on the Map

During his junior year at Pitt, Abanikanda put together a statistical campaign that turned heads across college football. The most notable achievement from that season was his ability to consistently break the 100-yard rushing mark.

He compiled nine 100-yard rushing games, a figure that placed him in rare company within the Pitt program's history. Only Dion Lewis had more in a single season for the Panthers, with ten such games back in 2009.

That level of production positioned Abanikanda as one of the more intriguing running back prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class. His combination of size—listed at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds during his college career—and his demonstrated ability to handle a heavy workload made him an attractive option for teams looking to add depth to their backfields.

What the College Tape Showed

Scouts evaluating Abanikanda's college film would have seen a running back with good vision between the tackles and the ability to accelerate through holes. His frame suggested he could absorb contact at the NFL level, and his nine 100-yard games indicated he could be a workhorse back when given the opportunity.

One particular performance stood out during that junior season: Pitt's 45-29 victory over Virginia Tech. In that game, Abanikanda made program history, though the specific record is not detailed in available sources.

What is clear is that his junior season established him as a legitimate NFL prospect and led to his selection in the 2023 draft.

The NFL Carousel Four Teams in Three Seasons

Abanikanda's professional career has been characterized by movement. Since entering the league in 2023, he has been affiliated with four different NFL franchises—a reality that reflects both the competitive nature of NFL roster construction and the challenges young running backs face in establishing themselves.

New York Jets The Draft and Early Development

The New York Jets selected Abanikanda with the 143rd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. For a running back drafted on day three, the expectation was that he would develop behind the team's established starters and carve out a role on special teams or as a rotational option.

However, his rookie season was interrupted by injury. During his time with the Jets, head coach Robert Saleh indicated that Abanikanda was expected to miss "a couple of weeks" with a thigh injury.

This setback limited his ability to gain traction in the team's offensive plans and likely contributed to his eventual departure from the organization.

San Francisco 49ers A Waiver Claim with a Twist

The 49ers claimed Abanikanda off waivers from the Jets in a move that made headlines primarily because of its context. The 49ers were dealing with a significant injury to their star running back, Christian McCaffrey, who was placed on injured reserve around the same time.

Adding a young running back with Abanikanda's college production made sense as the team looked to bolster its depth. His time in San Francisco proved to be brief and somewhat frustrating from a playing time perspective.

Late in the 2025 season, he was listed as inactive for a Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions due to a coach's decision. Being a healthy scratch in a critical late-season game is rarely a positive sign for a player's standing with a team.

Green Bay Packers A Brief Stop

After his release from the 49ers, the Green Bay Packers claimed Abanikanda off waivers. This move kept him in the NFL and gave him another opportunity to compete for a roster spot.

However, injuries continued to be a factor. He dealt with a hamstring issue that caused him to miss practice time—he sat out Tuesday and Wednesday before returning to practice on a Thursday.

The Packers' decision to claim him signaled that they saw something worth developing, but his time in Green Bay did not result in a long-term home.

Dallas Cowboys The Current Situation

The Dallas Cowboys represent Abanikanda's fourth NFL franchise and his current home as of August 2026. The team initially added him to their practice squad, which filled a specific need—the Cowboys lacked running backs on the practice squad at that time.

This signing was framed as the type of move that gives a team a specific prototype for a backup running back role. The Cowboys' interest in Abanikanda suggests that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer—who was referenced in reports about the signing—saw him as fitting a particular vision for the RB2 position.

The phrase "RB2 prototype" was used in coverage of the signing, indicating the team viewed him as a potential backup to their primary ball carrier.

Analyzing the 2025 Season Numbers and Context

The available statistics for Abanikanda's 2025 season paint a picture of a player who saw limited but not nonexistent action. His totals of 22 carries, 70 rushing yards, and a 3.2 yards-per-carry average reflect a player who did not receive a significant workload.

Breaking Down the Rushing Numbers

A 3.2 yards-per-carry average is below the NFL average for running backs and would typically be considered disappointing. However, context matters when evaluating a player with limited carries.

Twenty-two carries is an extremely small sample size—equivalent to roughly one game's worth of work for a starting running back. Splitting those 22 carries across multiple games and different opponents makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about his effectiveness.

The zero touchdown figure is notable but not surprising given the limited opportunities. Running backs who receive fewer than 25 carries in a season rarely score, as they typically are not on the field in goal-line situations.

The Receiving Component

Abanikanda's 7 receptions for 43 yards in 2025 suggests that teams view him as a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield. While 43 receiving yards is not a significant total, the fact that offensive coordinators trusted him in pass-protection and route-running situations indicates he has value beyond his rushing production.

What the Numbers Don't Tell You

Statistics alone do not capture the full picture of a player's value to an NFL team. Abanikanda has been claimed off waivers multiple times, which is actually a positive indicator—teams do not claim players they do not believe have potential.

The fact that four different organizations have shown interest in him suggests that the football community views him as a player worth developing. His age is also relevant.

At 23 years old, he is still young for a running back and has time to develop. Many successful NFL running backs did not establish themselves until their second or third seasons.

Injury History and Its Impact on His Trajectory

Injuries have been an unfortunate recurring theme throughout Abanikanda's professional career, and they have undoubtedly affected his ability to secure a stable role.

The Thigh Injury in New York

Early in his rookie season with the Jets, Abanikanda suffered a thigh injury that sidelined him for an extended period. Head coach Robert Saleh's public comments about the injury timeline—indicating the rookie would be out "a couple of weeks"—made it clear that this was not a minor issue.

For a young player trying to earn playing time, missing weeks of practice and games can be devastating to his development.

The Hamstring Issue in Green Bay

Later in his career, Abanikanda dealt with a hamstring injury that caused him to miss multiple practices. The pattern of missing Tuesday and Wednesday before returning on Thursday suggests this was a moderate strain that required rest but did not warrant injured reserve placement.

How Injuries Shape NFL Careers

The reality of the NFL is that roster spots are precious, and teams have limited patience for players who cannot stay on the field. For a running back drafted in the fifth round—a player without the security of a high draft pick or a large contract—every missed practice is an opportunity for another player to pass him on the depth chart.

That Abanikanda has managed to remain on NFL rosters despite these setbacks speaks to the underlying talent that evaluators continue to see in him. Teams do not claim injured running backs off waivers; they claim healthy ones with potential.

What the 2026 Season Could Hold

As of August 2026, Abanikanda finds himself in a familiar position: competing for playing time during training camp and the preseason. The Cowboys' decision to carry him on their roster suggests they have a plan for him, but the specifics of that plan remain to be seen.

The Preseason Factor

Preseason games are critically important for players in Abanikanda's position. These exhibitions provide the only meaningful game action for backup running backs before the regular season begins.

A strong preseason showing can cement a roster spot, while a poor one can lead to another waiver claim or release. The coverage of his situation referenced the possibility of him again featuring in preseason headlines, suggesting that evaluators expect him to be a notable performer during these games.

Competition for Touches

The Cowboys' running back room is competitive, and Abanikanda will need to earn his opportunities. The team's offensive scheme and the health of their other running backs will play significant roles in determining how many carries he receives.

The Path to a Defined Role

For Abanikanda to establish himself as a reliable NFL contributor, he will need to accomplish three things. First, he must stay healthy—a consistent presence at practice and in games is essential.

Second, he needs to demonstrate value on special teams, as backups who contribute on special teams are much harder to cut. Third, he must make the most of limited touches, showing the explosiveness that made him a productive college runner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Israel Abanikanda played for so many teams?

Abanikanda has been with four NFL franchises since 2023 due to a combination of factors. His draft position in the fifth round meant he entered the league without guaranteed playing time, and injuries early in his career limited his ability to establish himself with the Jets.

Teams like the 49ers and Packers claimed him off waivers as a developmental prospect, and the Cowboys most recently added him to provide depth. This pattern of movement is common for young running backs who show potential but have not yet secured a permanent role.

What were Israel Abanikanda's college statistics at Pitt?

The most notable statistic from Abanikanda's college career is his nine 100-yard rushing games during his junior season at Pitt. This total was the most by a Pitt player in a season since Dion Lewis recorded ten such games in 2009.

He also made program history during Pitt's 45-29 victory over Virginia Tech, though specific details of that achievement are not available in current sources.

What is Israel Abanikanda's current injury status?

Abanikanda has dealt with thigh and hamstring injuries during his NFL career. The most recent reported injury was a hamstring issue during his time with the Green Bay Packers, which caused him to miss practices.

As of August 2026, no current injury has been reported. His ability to stay healthy during training camp and the preseason will be critical for his roster security with the Cowboys.

What is Israel Abanikanda's role with the Dallas Cowboys?

Abanikanda was initially signed to the Cowboys' practice squad before being added to the active roster. He is viewed as a potential backup running back—what some team observers described as an "RB2 prototype." His role will depend on the health of the Cowboys' other running backs and his performance in practice and preseason games.

How old is Israel Abanikanda, and what are his physical measurements?

Abanikanda is 23 years old. His measurements vary slightly depending on the source, with some listing him at 5-foot-10 and 217 pounds and others at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds.

These are typical dimensions for an NFL running back and suggest he has the requisite size to handle a professional workload.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.