Israel Abanikanda

Dallas Cowboys
Running Back #25

Personal

Age	23
Birthdate	October 5, 2002
Height	5'10"
Weight	216 lb

Draft

College	Pittsburgh
Year	2023
Pick	Round: 5, Overall: 143
Team	NYJ

Fantasy Value

Week 1 Projections
Carries	Yards	Touchdowns
1.88	8.64	0.05

You can see where those projections compare to other RBs in our Running Back Rankings.

Player News

Israel Abanikanda: Israel Abanikanda Exceeding Expectations in Cowboys Camp

Dallas Cowboys running back Israel Abanikanda has exceeded expectations in training camp so far, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Abanikanda has not appeared in an NFL game since his rookie season in 2023, when he recorded 113 scrimmage yards on 29 touches across six games with the New York Jets. He spent the final portion of the 2025 season on the Cowboys' practice squad and is now competing for a spot on the team's 53-man roster this summer. Dallas has a clear leader in the backfield in running back Javonte Williams. However, the team's RB2 job appears to be an open competition between Jaydon Blue (shoulder), Malik Davis, and Phil Mafah. With all three of those players largely unproven as NFL contributors, Abanikanda may have a chance to work his way into the mix for the Cowboys. In deeper league formats, Abanikanda may be a name for fantasy managers to keep an eye on throughout the remainder of the preseason.

Aug. 21, 2026 12:12 PM EST