The Green Bay Packers’ running back room welcomed a new face last month with the signing of former New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda. The former fifth-round pick in 2023 brought a spark of optimism, with many believing his pedigree and flashes of talent could secure him a spot on the roster. However, just 30 days later, the outlook for “Izzy” has taken a grim turn, as Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber projects that Abanikanda will not only miss the 53-man roster but may not even land on the practice squad.
A Crowded and Competitive RB Room
When Abanikanda joined the Packers, expectations were high that he would compete with Chris Brooks and Emmanuel Wilson for a backup role behind All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs and rookie MarShawn Lloyd. However, Huber’s analysis suggests that the decision to cut Abanikanda is less about his shortcomings and more about the standout performances of others in the backfield.
Huber highlighted Brooks’ versatility, noting a pivotal moment during Family Night when Brooks adeptly handled a blitz, allowing quarterback Jordan Love to complete a pass. “Brooks’ value showed on one of the first plays of Family Night,” Huber wrote. “His ability to be a tackle-breaking running back and effective fullback will be valuable.” This multifaceted skill set has seemingly cemented Brooks’ place on the roster, leaving little room for Abanikanda.
Additionally, rookie undrafted free agent Amar Johnson has emerged as a dark horse in the competition. Huber believes Johnson’s athletic dynamism, particularly his speed, could give him the edge over Abanikanda and fellow undrafted free agent Jalen White for a practice squad spot. “The preseason and joint practices will determine whether Johnson or White, a pair of undrafted free agents, or Abanikanda, a fifth-round pick by the Jets in 2023, is worthy of a year of development,” Huber noted. “Maybe Johnson’s speed will give him the edge.”
The Packers’ RB Depth in the NFC North
The Packers’ running back room, while not quite at the level of the Detroit Lions’ dynamic duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, remains a formidable unit in the NFC North. Josh Jacobs, the undisputed lead back, brings All-Pro caliber production, while Emmanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks proved their worth last season when called upon. The x-factor, however, is MarShawn Lloyd, a rookie who was turning heads in training camp before a recent injury caused by a hit from cornerback Nate Hobbs. Lloyd is expected to miss one to two weeks, but the Packers are likely to take a cautious approach with his recovery, given his injury-plagued rookie season.
Jacobs will undoubtedly shoulder the majority of the carries, but both Lloyd and Wilson have the potential to carve out significant roles if they continue to impress. This depth and versatility make the Packers’ backfield a force to be reckoned with, even in a division as competitive as the NFC North.
Abanikanda’s Fleeting Opportunity
For Israel Abanikanda, the path to making the Packers’ roster was always going to be challenging, given the talent ahead of him. Despite his potential and flashes of promise during his time with the Jets in 2023, the numbers game in Green Bay appears to have worked against him. Huber’s projection suggests that the Packers are prioritizing players like Brooks, who offer immediate value in multiple facets of the game, and Johnson, whose speed could make him a developmental gem.
However, the door isn’t entirely closed for Abanikanda. A strong showing in the remaining preseason games and joint practices could force the Packers’ coaching staff to reconsider their stance. If he can demonstrate the same explosiveness and playmaking ability that made him a fifth-round pick, there’s still a chance—albeit slim—that he could make a lasting impression.
No Regrets, No Second Chances
The NFL is a brutal business, and roster decisions often come down to fine margins. For Abanikanda, his 30-day stint with the Packers may end without a spot on the roster or practice squad. While his talent is undeniable, the emergence of Brooks, Johnson, and the established presence of Jacobs, Lloyd, and Wilson have left little room for error. The Packers appear ready to move forward without regrets, betting on their current stable of backs to carry them through the season.
For now, Abanikanda’s future in Green Bay hangs in the balance. If he fails to seize his opportunity in the coming weeks, his time with the Packers may be remembered as a brief, one-and-done experiment with no second chances.