New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda did not get any reps with the first-team or second-team offense during Friday's OTAs, according to Jets reporter Brandyn Pokrass. Pokrass said he is falling down the depth chart and could be a cut or trade candidate this offseason. Following Abanikanda's 1431-yard, 20-touchdown rushing season in 2022 at Pittsburgh, he was selected by New York in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he rushed just six times for 22 yards and caught six passes for 11 yards. After New York drafted Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (fourth round) and South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis (fifth round) in April's draft, the writing was on the wall for the 21-year-old speedster. Fantasy managers in deep dynasty leagues can consider continuing to stash Abanikanda, but he's unlikely to make an impact in 2024.
Israel Abanikanda Stays Involved, Sees Six Touches
New York Jets rookie running back Israel Abanikanda has seemingly leapfrogged Dalvin Cook as the No. 2 back behind Breece Hall with the team playing out the string of another lost season in 2023. Abanikanda carried the ball twice for three yards and caught a season-high four passes on seven targets for 27 yards in Thursday night's 37-20 loss to the visiting Cleveland Browns. The 21-year-old rookie also lost a fumble on a kickoff return in the first half. Abanikanda saw a career-high nine carries in last week's win over the Washington Commanders and should be more involved behind Hall in the team's Week 18 regular season finale against the New England Patriots on Jan. 7. He figures to be more involved in a complementary role in 2024 and should be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Israel Abanikanda Active For Thursday Night Football
New York Jets rookie running back Israel Abanikanda (ankle) is officially active on Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns after coming into the game listed as questionable on the final Week 17 injury report. With the Jets playing out the string the last couple weeks, Abanikanda saw a season-high nine carries for 43 yards in the Week 16 win over the Washington Commanders and could once again see more action over Dalvin Cook on Thursday night. However, the 21-year-old rookie will still be well behind Breece Hall in the RB pecking order and won't have any standalone fantasy value in Week 17, especially against a stout Browns defense on the road. Abanikanda is worth stashing in dynasty/keeper leagues heading into the offseason.
Israel Abanikanda Officially Questionable For Thursday
New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (ankle) was limited on Wednesday and is officially listed as questionable as his team prepares to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 17's Thursday night game. Abanikanda usurped Dalvin Cook as the No. 2 running back in New York behind Breece Hall last week but his status is in jeopardy after he was limited all week by an ankle injury. It looks like the rookie running back will be a game-time decision this week, so be sure to check in on final inactives roughly 90 minutes before kickoff on Thursday night. If he is forced to miss, expect Dalvin Cook to resume his role as the chief backup to Hall this week.
Israel Abanikanda Limited In Tuesday’s Walkthrough
New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (ankle) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice. The Jets held a walkthrough on Tuesday, but Abanikanda would have been a limited participant if the team held a regular practice. The rookie was also limited in practice all of last week due to this ankle injury. However, it didn't limit him in the contest, as he totaled a career-high nine carries for 43 yards in the Jets' win. He'll have one more chance to upgrade his practice status before Thursday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Even if he suits up, Abanikanda doesn't carry much fantasy value in Week 17.
Israel Abanikanda Estimated As Limited Participant Monday
New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant on Monday. The rookie also appeared on the injury report in preparation for Week 16 but was able to play, which is a solid indicator that he'll suit up against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. With the Jets out of playoff contention, several younger players (including Abanikanda) earned more opportunities this past week. He operated as the Jets' No. 2 running back behind Breece Hall, rushing nine times for 43 yards. He'll presumably have a similar workload in Week 17 as long as he plays.
Israel Abanikanda Impresses With Nine Touches In Week 16
New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda handled nine carries for 43 yards in a 30-28 win over the Washington Commanders. The rookie, who was limited in practice throughout the week with an ankle injury, was questionable heading into the weekend but ultimately suited up and received meaningful touches as early as the first quarter. Although New York is likely just seeing what it has in its young players now that the Jets have been eliminated from the playoffs, it is worth noting that Dalvin Cook was given zero opportunities on Sunday. Furthermore, Abanikanda gained more rushing yards this week than Cook had in any contest this season. The 21-year-old is explosive and should be on the radars of dynasty fantasy managers as a player who could have a greater role in 2024.
New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (ankle) was limited in practice all week long. He is officially questionable to play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The rookie has seen limited opportunities this season, totaling just 18 rushing and 16 receiving yards through three games. As long as he remains behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook on the depth chart, Abanikanda is off the fantasy radar.
New York Jets rookie running back Israel Abanikanda (illness) had his repetitions limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday due to an illness. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jason Brownlee (ankle) was a full-go after he was limited on Wednesday. Neither player is relevant in single-year fantasy leagues, but it's worth noting that Abanikanda saw a season-high four carries for eight yards while catching both of his targets for 11 yards in the team's blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. The 21-year-old should be ready to go by Sunday's contest against the visiting Washington Commanders, and Abanikanda could see a bit more work in the final three games in what has been another lost season for Gang Green. He's only worth stashing in deep dynasty/keeper leagues.
New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. The rookie has seen an increased role recently, carrying the ball eight times for 19 yards over his last five games. He also has three catches and 16 receiving yards during that span. While the rookie hasn't been terrific and should be avoided in all redraft leagues, it's promising to see him earn at least a few snaps over Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook. He could become an appealing dynasty "buy" before long.
