Who Should I Start? Israel Abanikanda or Eli Heidenreich


Week 4 Projections

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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Israel Abanikanda News

Israel Abanikanda Exceeding Expectations in Cowboys Camp

Friday, August 21, 12:12 PM

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.


Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Eli Heidenreich News

Eli Heidenreich a Worthy Stash Candidate Amid Backfield Injuries in Pittsburgh

Friday, September 25, 12:15 PM

A seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Navy, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich has yet to record his first NFL carry. However, the 23-year-old appears to be in line for an expanded role in his team's Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) has already been ruled out with a toe injury, and veteran back Jaylen Warren (shoulder) is officially questionable with a shoulder issue. If neither of Pittsburgh's top two running backs is available, Heidenreich could take over the majority of the team's backfield work on Sunday. Even if Warren plays, Heidenreich would be the next man up and could take on some secondary touches. Heading into Week 3, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Heidenreich off the waiver wire.


Israel Abanikanda vs. Eli Heidenreich

Still trying to decide between Abanikanda and Heidenreich? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Israel Abanikanda is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Eli Heidenreich is projected to score 0.0 points.