Every Dallas Cowboys fan is aware that the competition for the backup running back position is heating up this offseason. One name that is stirring interest is Israel Abanikanda, who joined last year’s practice squad late in the season. Although he may not be the most widely known contender, his potential impact during training camp could surprise many.
Background on Israel Abanikanda
Abanikanda has had a challenging yet intriguing journey in the NFL. After showcasing his talent at the University of Pittsburgh, he entered the NFL Draft as a somewhat raw but promising talent. Labeled as a mid-round prospect, he was selected in the fifth round by the New York Jets. Unfortunately, playing time was hard to come by for Abanikanda, as he found himself behind established players like Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook on the depth chart. Over the course of the 2023 season, Abanikanda dressed for only six games and managed a mere 22 carries, limiting his opportunity to shine.
The situation worsened for him in 2024 when the Jets drafted additional running backs in Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. This further relegated Abanikanda down the lineup, leading to his release in early December despite spending three months on the active roster. The San Francisco 49ers claimed him off waivers for the final games of the season, but he did not see any playing time. Abanikanda then faced another setback when he was waived by the 49ers just before the start of the 2025 training camp, ultimately being claimed by the Green Bay Packers. He made a brief appearance on their practice squad but was released shortly thereafter. Finally, the Cowboys signed him to their practice squad in late November, where he managed to stay through the season.
Contract and Opportunity
As of now, Abanikanda has a two-year contract that includes a 2026 cap hit of $1.08 million, although it comes without guaranteed money. Nevertheless, this financial aspect does not heavily weigh against him in the competition for the backup running back spot. Other contenders such as Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah carry their own contract complexities, enabling the Cowboys to focus solely on performance when determining who earns a roster spot.
The outlook for the 2026 season sees Abanikanda as a potential backup, although many experts view the competition primarily between Davis and Blue. Some analysts even include Mafah in the conversation. Nevertheless, there’s speculation that the Cowboys might consider bringing in another veteran running back, as the current roster lacks proven reliability. If Abanikanda can carve out his role, it could provide a much-needed change-of-pace option should starter Javonte Williams face injury.
Potential and Performance
Despite being in the league for over three years, Abanikanda is still only 23 years old, maintaining a youthful outlook as a player. He shares a similar age bracket with Mafah and Blue, allowing him to enter training camp as a young prospect with untapped potential. His running style bears a closer resemblance to that of Williams than the other candidates, making him a more suitable backup option.
For Abanikanda to secure a spot on the roster, he must demonstrate improved skills across the board. His pass-blocking ability has been criticized in the past, and he will need to develop his block-reading skills to maximize his chances. Drawing comparisons to Williams, who exhibits adaptability and shiftiness, will be essential for Abanikanda as he navigates the competitive landscape of the Cowboys’ training camp.
In conclusion, while Israel Abanikanda may not be the favorite in the upcoming backup running back competition, his journey and potential make him a player to watch. His path has certainly been rocky, but with his age and inherent talent, there’s room for him to become a valuable asset to the Cowboys. The depth chart remains open, presenting Abanikanda with a critical opportunity to impress during camp and possibly solidify a spot on the roster.