In a move that flew under the radar, the Green Bay Packers bolstered their running back room on Friday by claiming Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers had waived the young running back just a day earlier, ending his seven-month stint with the team. This unexpected acquisition could shake things up in Green Bay’s backfield as training camp progresses, with Abanikanda bringing a skill set that aligns well with head coach Matt LaFleur’s offensive scheme.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Addition
Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round draft pick by the New York Jets, is no stranger to the NFL’s transactional nature. After being cut by the Jets last December, he was quickly claimed by the 49ers. Now, the Packers inherit his rookie contract, which keeps him under team control through 2026. The 22-year-old running back appeared in six games during his rookie season with the Jets, logging 22 carries for 70 yards (3.2 yards per attempt) and adding seven receptions for 43 yards on 11 targets. While his stats are modest, his limited role—7% of offensive snaps and 1% of special teams snaps—suggests untapped potential.
What makes this move intriguing is Abanikanda’s familiarity with offensive systems similar to Green Bay’s. Having played under Nathaniel Hackett with the Jets and Kyle Shanahan with the 49ers, Abanikanda has been exposed to schemes that share DNA with LaFleur’s zone-based approach. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein praised Abanikanda’s one-cut ability in his 2023 draft profile, noting his “plant-and-go agility” and “terrific top-end speed” that could exploit poorly fitted run fronts. These traits make him a natural fit for LaFleur’s offense, which emphasizes quick, decisive cuts and explosive plays in the run game.
Zierlein’s scouting report highlighted both Abanikanda’s strengths and areas for growth: “A zone-scheme runner with early down size, Abanikanda can be a bit inconsistent with his reads and tempo early in the run. However, he has plant-and-go agility and is able to snap off cuts at tight angles to elude short-area traffic when needed. He needs to run with better discipline and downhill decisiveness to stay ahead of NFL speed. Abanikanda isn’t much of a third-down option, but he does have the size and talent to compete for a RB2/3 slot early on with a chance to move up the depth chart in time.”
Addressing a Thin Backfield
The Packers’ running back depth has been tested early in training camp. Undrafted rookie Amar Johnson started camp on the active/non-football injury list, leaving the team short-handed behind starter Josh Jacobs, third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd, and holdovers Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks. Another undrafted rookie, Jalen White, is also in the mix, likely vying for a practice squad spot. With an open roster spot already available, Green Bay didn’t need to make a corresponding move to add Abanikanda, making this a seamless pickup.
While Johnson can be activated at any time, Abanikanda’s addition provides insurance and competition in a backfield that could use both. His size (5’11”, 215 pounds) and speed give him the physical tools to compete for a roster spot, particularly as a complementary piece to Jacobs’ workhorse style and Lloyd’s explosive potential.
What’s Next for Abanikanda?
With three training camp practices already in the books and the next one scheduled for Sunday, Abanikanda has a chance to hit the ground running. His familiarity with similar offensive systems should ease his transition, allowing him to focus on refining his reads and decisiveness—areas Zierlein flagged as needing improvement. The Packers’ first preseason game, coincidentally against the Jets at Lambeau Field on August 9, will be an early opportunity for Abanikanda to showcase his fit in Green Bay’s scheme.
While Abanikanda may not immediately challenge Jacobs or Lloyd for significant snaps, his upside as a one-cut runner could make him a dark horse in the RB2/3 conversation. If he can harness his athleticism and adapt to LaFleur’s system, the Packers may have found a hidden gem in a player nobody saw coming to Green Bay.
This sneaky move underscores the Packers’ knack for finding value in overlooked talent. As training camp unfolds, all eyes will be on Abanikanda to see if he can turn this opportunity into a meaningful role in one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.