Jets HC Explains Former Pitt RB's New Role

Jets head coach Robert Salah has new designs for former Pitt Panthers star Israel Abanikanda.

PITTSBURGH -- Former Pitt Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda is in line to see the first regular season NFL action this weekend after the New York Jets released second-year veteran Michael Carter, who had been ahead of Abanikanda on the depth chart.  

Jets head coach Robert Salah broke down some of what the team already knows about their 2023 fifth-round draft pick out of Pitt, but added that they'll learn about him as he takes on a larger role down the stretch of this season. 

"We know Izzy's speed," Salah said. "Big, strong, powerful back. He's got -- we'll see what he is. We're about to find out for sure but he's going to provide more for special teams, I can give guys that much, and then being able to supplement some of the touches." 

Abanikanda has not only had to sit behind a deep room of veteran running backs, but has dealt with a preseason hamstring injury that put him behind the curve before his rookie year even really began. He had been the Jets' leading rusher during the preseason before an injury knocked him out in Week 2. Abanikanda has been a healthy scratch for all of the regular season.

New York selected Abanikanda, the 2022 ACC rushing champion, with the 143 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft after he racked up 1,577 total yards and 21 touchdowns during a breakout 2022 campaign in which he powered the Pitt offense and helped the team reach nine wins.

They're excited to see what they actually have in the explosive athlete, Abanikanda and how his physical tools play out on an NFL field.  

"You know, fresh legs is a real thing," Salah said. "And he's got great speed so it'll be fun to get him loose a little bit."

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