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Blogging The Boys fantasy football takes on Israel Abanikanda
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Blogging The Boys about Israel Abanikanda.
26
Insights
11
Positive
7
Negative
Insight ledger
All Blogging The Boys insights about Israel Abanikanda
NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Signed to the active roster off the practice squad as a replacement running back after Malik Davis's hip injury; steps in as the third running back on the team behind Javonte Williams and Emari Demercado.PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
Signed to the active roster from the practice squad as a direct replacement for injured Malik Davis. Abanikanda is fully up to speed on the Cowboys offense after spending time with the team since November; he should be able to contribute if asked, though Emari Demercado is expected to pick up much of the work vacated by Davis.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
Abanikanda made the practice squad after the Cowboys' initial 53-man roster showed a lack of running back depth. De Adedayo Odeleye notes that Abanikanda has similar physicality and north/south ability to the team's one-two punch of Javonte Williams and Malik Davis, positioning him as an emergency depth option that allows the Cowboys to protect their offensive approach.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Israel Abanikanda was cut from the Cowboys 53-man roster after competing for the RB2 role. Abanikanda lost the RB2 competition to Malik Davis, who won decisively enough to push all other running back competitors off the roster entirely. The source notes the Cowboys opted not to keep Abanikanda as a RB3 with potential to rise to RB2 depending on game plan, which is characterized as a surprise. Abanikanda will be a candidate to watch for potential practice squad signing.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
Released as part of the Cowboys' aggressive backfield trimming, cut alongside Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.NegativeDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
The source states that Abanikanda has 'done nothing to sway opinions' in the preseason, suggesting he has not made a compelling case for a roster spot over the incumbents.NegativeProjectionAug 29, 2026
Abanikanda had a costly fumble in the preseason finale against the Saints and was less productive than Phil Mafah, raising questions about whether either will make the 53-man roster; the source notes the Cowboys surprised observers by giving Abanikanda and Mafah primary work in that game.NegativeUsageAug 29, 2026
Running back received limited carries with seven attempts for 16 yards (2.3 yards per carry) in game three; the source indicates the Cowboys have settled on their first three running backs on the depth chart, with Mafah receiving the primary workload and Abanikanda getting secondary carries, suggesting he is likely headed to the practice squad if he remains with the team.PositiveDepth ChartAug 27, 2026
Running back competing with Phil Mafah for a potential fourth roster spot behind Javonte Williams. Has had a good training camp and demonstrated both speed in practices and the strength to keep chains moving with power and willingness to finish runs. Expected to split reps with Mafah in the second half of the preseason finale for a final push to make the team.NegativeRoleAug 26, 2026
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he will continue to include Israel Abanikanda in the backup running back mix, indicating the player remains in consideration for a roster spot alongside Malik Davis, Jayden Blue, and Phil Mafah behind starter Javonte Williams.PositiveProjectionAug 24, 2026
Abanikanda earned a 76.0 PFF grade in the Arizona game and ranks 5th among all NFL running backs in preseason grades (71.7 overall) after two weeks, contributing to the running back group's strong preseason performance.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Abanikanda garnered one vote as an honorable mention in the 2026 Camp MVP voting, appearing on at least one source's standout list.NegativeUsageAug 23, 2026
Abanikanda received 8 carries in the preseason game against Arizona, placing him second on the team behind Jaydon Blue's 15 carries in the ongoing RB competition.PositiveSleeperAug 22, 2026
Israel Abanikanda is a sleeper in the running back competition who has looked just as good as any of his competitors throughout training camp and preseason. Despite strong performance, he remains a long shot to make the roster due to depth chart constraints.NegativeUsageAug 21, 2026
Cowboys RB competing for carries in week two preseason game against Cardinals; will see significant workload alongside Malik Davis with Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah limited by injury.PositiveSleeperAug 20, 2026
Israel Abanikanda is a sleeper in the Cowboys backup RB competition and long shot to make the roster, but he's performing well in preseason. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry against Seattle (second only to Malik Davis' 5.6 YPC). With Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah both dealing with injuries, Abanikanda could receive increased playing time against Arizona, putting himself further in contention for a roster spot.NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026
Competing for RB2/RB3 role with seven carries for 36 yards in preseason; limited in Monday practice with rib injury, reducing opportunity to compete for playing time behind Williams; source notes hopefully Abanikanda gets healthy as backfield competition sorts itself out.NegativeInjuryAug 17, 2026
Limited in practice with rib injury; working back into practice after injury, indicating reduced availability and ongoing recovery from rib-related issue.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
Running back gained 36 yards on seven carries in the preseason opener, running hard on the interior and demonstrating the type of power running the Cowboys offense prefers. His performance in the RB2 roster battle shows he is competitive with Malik Davis (39 yards on 7 carries) and ahead of Jaydon Blue (19 yards on 8 carries).PositiveBreakoutAug 16, 2026
Third-string running back impressed in second half with 37 yards on 7 carries (5.1 ypc), outperforming second-year backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. The source suggests Abanikanda and fellow third-stringer Malik Davis did a better job reading rushing lanes, hitting holes quickly, and pushing forward, with the RB2 job firmly up for grabs.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
Running back receiving praise from head coach Brian Schottenheimer for his camp performance, with multiple carries featured in practice drills.NegativeDepth ChartAug 13, 2026
Abanikanda is in the mix at running back with a physical running style and very good speed. He could showcase his talents in the later stages of the preseason games and may also get some opportunities on kickoffs, adding another threat to the running back room.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Running back receiving praise from Cowboys OC Klayton Adams in backup RB competition.PositiveBreakoutAug 5, 2026
Abanikanda is someone to watch in camp; he has quickness and can see the hole quickly. While it is unclear how he makes the 53-man roster, he is a prospect who could have an eye-catching preseason. The source notes he is one of the younger prospects showing well alongside Phil Mafah, creating competition for Davis.NegativeRoleJul 26, 2026
Israel Abanikanda is a speedy back the Cowboys liked coming out of the University of Pittsburgh in 2023 who broke Tony Dorsett's single-game rushing record while at Pitt; he is one of two other running backs headed into training camp competing for a roster spot.NegativeRoleJul 23, 2026
The newly acquired running back joins a wide-open roster battle in the backfield where his explosive straight-line speed could help him earn one of the final RB roster spots.