Sometimes the grass really is greener on the other side.
Sometimes a player just needs a fresh start to tap into their true potential. For former NY Jets running back Israel Abanikanda, his new opportunity could be the ideal environment to help him finally reach his capabilities.
Abanikanda was released by the Jets on Monday after the team signed running back/return specialist Kene Nwangwu to their active roster. Although the Jets intended to re-sign Abanikanda to their practice squad if he cleared waivers, that plan didn’t materialize.
On Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers claimed Abanikanda off waivers, following injuries to Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason. He joins a 49ers roster that currently has only one healthy running back, third-round rookie Isaac Guerendo.
This former standout from Pittsburgh has a significant chance not only to establish a future role in San Francisco but also to make an immediate impact in one of the most running-back-friendly systems in the NFL.
Abanikanda was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft but had limited playing time as a rookie and struggled to make a mark during his opportunities later in the season.
He rushed for just 70 yards on 22 carries, averaging a meager 3.2 yards per carry over six games, and did not manage to secure a role on special teams, fumbling one of his only two kick return attempts.
The Brooklyn native never gained the trust of the Jets’ coaching staff and found himself on the roster bubble entering the summer of 2024, especially after the team added rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis in the draft.
While Abanikanda showed signs of improvement during the summer and earned a spot on the 53-man roster, he ultimately could not surpass Breece Hall, Allen, and Davis and was a healthy scratch for every game this season.
Thus, it wasn’t surprising when the Jets decided to release him this week. However, this change of scenery might be precisely what Abanikanda needs.
Drafted for the Jets’ wide zone offensive scheme in 2023, Abanikanda struggled to find his footing after the offense shifted to a power run scheme due to a revamped offensive line in 2024.
In San Francisco, though, Abanikanda will return to a system that suits his strengths, as the 49ers emphasize the style of play for which he was originally drafted. This scheme has historically yielded impressive results from relatively unknown running backs.
Instead of sitting on the Jets’ bench for the remainder of the season, Abanikanda now has a chance to play a vital role in a running-back-friendly setup that aligns with his skills. This represents a dream opportunity for the New York native.
At just 21 years old, Abanikanda has the chance to establish himself in San Francisco. Sometimes, the grass really is greener on the other side.
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