Who Should I Start? Israel Abanikanda or Jarquez Hunter


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.3 8.6 0.1 0.1 0.8 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 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.0 6.1 0.0 0.1 0.7 0.0

Jarquez Hunter News

Dolphins Acquire Running Back Jarquez Hunter From Rams

Thursday, August 27, 11:09 AM

The Miami Dolphins are acquiring running back Jarquez Hunter from the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday in exchange for wide receiver Tutu Atwell, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hunter was selected 117th overall in the fourth round in the 2025 NFL draft by the Rams out of Auburn, but he did not see any usage on offense during his first year in the league. The 23-year-old also saw limited action on special teams. Hunter showed good burst and speed out of the backfield in college, but he has never been much of an asset on passing downs, which will limit his long-term upside with his move to South Beach. In Miami, he will not have much of a clearer path to touches in 2026, as he'll likely be the Dolphins' No. 4 option behind starter De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Ollie Gordon II (ribs). Hunter will now have to learn a new offense with time running out before the start of the regular season. At best, he is a dynasty/keeper stash for RB depth. Hunter can be ignored in single-year fantasy leagues.


Israel Abanikanda vs. Jarquez Hunter

Still trying to decide between Abanikanda and Hunter? 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 1.3 points this week while Jarquez Hunter is projected to score 1.0 points.