Who Should I Start? Ronald Jones II or Israel Abanikanda

Monday, September 18, 7:43 PM

The Dallas Cowboys released running back Ronald Jones on Monday, the team announced. Jones was eligible to return to the active 53-man roster on Monday after serving a two-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, but the Cowboys have opted to go in another direction. The 26-year-old will now be hoping to latch on with another organization to provide some backfield depth. Tony Pollard is the team's clear-cut starter, with Rico Dowdle and rookies Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke backing him up in the running back room. Jones shouldn't be rostered in single-year fantasy leagues right now.

Friday, December 29, 12:25 PM

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.