Jets' Brooklyn-born Rookie RB Suffers Fourth-Quarter Leg Injury vs. Bucs

Fifth-round draft pick banged up on first-down rushing attempt

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 seemingly banging into the leg of right guard Adam Pankey as the running back made a cut and surged forward. 

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

"Izzy's dealing with a thigh contusion," said head coach Robert Saleh during his postgame press conference.

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

"Him [Bam Knight] and Izzy are doing a really nice job, making it hard on us," said Saleh of the running back competition on Saturday.

Abanikanda, who has shown speed and big-play ability at times throughout training camp, has rushed for 113 yards and one touchdown on 25 preseason carries.

After starring at NYC PSAL member Lincoln High School and Pitt, Abanikanda landed with his hometown team as the No. 143 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He scored 21 touchdowns in 11 games for Pitt last season.  

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