Jets' Brooklyn-born RB Suffers Fourth-Quarter Leg Injury

It was supposed to be a good night for the Brooklyn product making his MetLife Stadium NFL debut. 

New York Jets' rookie running back Israel Abanikanda needed to be helped off the field following a fourth-quarter rushing attempt in Saturday's preseason battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Taking a first-down carry from the Jets' 25-yard line with 11:07 remaining in the game, the fifth-round draft pick tried to find room up the middle and was promptly taken down by Bucs' defensive tackle C.J. Brewer after a two-yard gain. 

Abanikanda, however, remained down on the turf while reaching toward his right knee after the play. Favoring the right leg, he eventually walked slowly off the field supported by trainers on both sides.

Television broadcast replays showed Abanikanda's right knee area banging into the leg of right guard Adam Pankey as the running back surged forward. 

The Jets officially ruled Abanikanda OUT for the remainder of the game with a thigh injury.

Prior to his exit, the 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference rushing champion logged 30 yards on four rushes. He made one reception for one yard.

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