The Dallas Cowboys are riding high-and for good reason. Back-to-back wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, the two teams that squared off in last year’s Super Bowl, have Dallas looking like a legitimate contender in a crowded NFC.
The playoff picture may not have shifted in their favor just yet, but with the Eagles stumbling and the Cowboys surging, there’s no shortage of optimism in Arlington. Next up?
A primetime showdown with the Detroit Lions on Thursday that could have major postseason implications.
As the Cowboys get back to work this week, they’re welcoming back a familiar face and adding a new one. Cornerback Trevon Diggs returned to practice after a stint on injured reserve, and joining him on the field is running back Israel Abanikanda, who signed to the Cowboys' practice squad on Sunday.
A Familiar Name Finally Lands in Dallas
If Abanikanda’s name sounds familiar, it’s because Dallas has had its eye on him since he entered the league in 2023. The former Pitt standout was a fan favorite in that year’s draft cycle, and many believed he fit the Cowboys’ offensive identity.
Ultimately, it was the New York Jets who selected him in the fifth round at No. 143 overall. Dallas, holding the 169th pick in the same round, opted for defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko-a pick that didn’t pan out, as Fehoko never suited up for a regular-season game and was cut before his second year.
Now, two seasons later, the Cowboys finally get their shot with Abanikanda.
A Raw Talent Still Waiting for His Shot
Abanikanda hasn’t found solid footing in the NFL just yet. He logged 22 carries for 70 yards as a rookie with the Jets but hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game since. This season, he had brief stints with the 49ers and Packers but wasn’t able to stick on either roster.
Still, at just 23 years old, there’s plenty of tread left on the tires. What makes Abanikanda intriguing is the combination of traits he brings to the table-traits that align well with what offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and run game coordinator Klayton Adams look for in a back.
He’s built low to the ground, runs with power, and consistently falls forward through contact. And while he wasn’t known as a blazer coming out of college, his 4.45-second 40-yard dash shows he’s got more than enough juice to get to the edge and turn the corner.
A Crowded, But Unsettled Backfield
The Cowboys’ backfield situation remains fluid. Malik Davis has stepped up in the RB2 role and done more than what was expected of him, but injuries and inconsistency have been a theme all year.
Jaydon Blue, once thought to be a promising depth piece, has seemingly fallen out of favor with the coaching staff. That opens the door for someone like Abanikanda to make an impression.
If he flashes in practice, there’s a real chance he could earn a spot on the active roster before season’s end. And even if that opportunity doesn’t come right away, there’s long-term value in keeping him around. Both Javonte Williams and Davis are set to hit free agency after the season, and with Blue's future uncertain, Dallas could be looking at a near-total reset in the running back room heading into 2026.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Move
This is the kind of move that makes sense on multiple levels. Abanikanda doesn’t cost the Cowboys anything in the short term, but he brings upside, youth, and a skill set that fits their offensive scheme. If he clicks with the staff and shows he can contribute, he could be more than just a practice squad body-he could be part of the future.
It may have taken three seasons and a few detours through other franchises, but Israel Abanikanda is finally in Dallas. Now it’s up to him to make the most of the opportunity.