Izzy Ready? Brooklyn-born Abanikanda Likely to Make NFL Debut vs. Bills

It comes as the expense of recently-released Michael Carter, but rookie running back Israel Abanikanda will finally get the chance to dress on gameday.

"Just want to give Izzy [Abanikanda] an opportunity. He's a good, young back," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh when explaining the decision to move on from Carter.

Abanikanda, a fifth-round rookie, has been inactive for all nine games thus far this season as Carter owned third-down duties behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook. Now that the Jets have parted ways with Carter midway through his third season in Green & White, Abanikanda is the next man up in the running backs room.

"It's a blessing," said the soft spoken Abanikanda, who figures to make his NFL debut against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. 

The Brooklyn-born Abanikanda put his explosive ability on display during the preseason. He totaled 113 rush yards and one touchdown on 25 carries in two-plus games. He suffered a thigh injury against Tampa Bay in the third preseason contest and has not played since.

"We know Izzy’s speed, big, strong, powerful back. We’ll see what he is. We’re about to find out for sure, but he’s going to provide more for special teams," said Saleh.

While undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson has a stranglehold on the punt return role, the Jets could opt to work Abanikanda in as a kick returner. He averaged 29.4 yards per kickoff return, including a 98-yard touchdown against Virginia, during Pitt's 2021 season. He also has the speed to fly down the field on coverage snaps.

After recovering from the preseason injury, Abanikanda has been preparing for his moment. 

"I've been staying ready, been working for the past few weeks," said Abanikanda after Wednesday's practice. "I was just learning, learning from the vets and all."

The 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference rushing champion scored 21 touchdowns in 11 games during his final season at Pitt. Now, he'll try to provided a jolt to a Jets team that has dropped back-to-back games and has not reached the end zone in the last 11 quarters.

"Fresh legs is a real thing and he’s already got speed, so it'll be fun to get him loose a little bit," said Saleh. 

The Jets and the Bills will kick off at 4:25 pm ET on November 19 in Orchard Park.

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