Jets Limiting Rookie Running Back's Reps Until He Enhances Important Skill

Fifth-round Pitt product sees minimal snaps in first two games, not yet ready for third-down role

lsrael Abaninkanda has been active for the last two games, in status only.

While suiting up for the first two times this season, the New York Jets' rookie running back has seen minimal action. He has totaled 13 snaps (10 offense, 3 special teams), including a goose egg in the first-ever NFL Black Friday Game against the Miami Dolphins on November 24.

Reviewing the Week 12 loss to Miami while addressing reporters on Monday, Saleh noted that Abanikanda's lack of on-field opportunity is partially a product of his current inability to pass protect at a satisfactory level.

"I know it seems kind of simple in context of well just give him some of those third down reps. It’s not that simple in the sense that he’s got to know protections. He’s got to be able to help keep the quarterback operate first and foremost before anything else can come to his game," said Saleh.

Against Miami, RB1 Breece Hall commanded the limited early down opportunities. The Jets totaled only 10 rushing attempts the entire game.

"First and second down, it was the Breece show. I feel like the entire first half was a display of three-and-outs, and so there wasn’t really a chance to get him [Abanikanda] going with regard to running the ball," said Saleh.

The Jets possessed the ball for only three offensive snaps during the third quarter. Falling behind by a wide margin, the Green & White resorted to a heavy passing attack in the fourth quarter.

"In the second half, when you start dropping back to pass, protection is in issue," said Saleh. "They [the Dolphins] were blitzing quite significantly in some cases and the backs have to be able to understand protections and be able to pick up those blitzes. They do get complex, and it’s something that he needs to get better at."

Abanikanda received his first game action in Week 11 against the Bills, touching the ball of a couple of plays during garbage time. He rushed once for 11 yards and made one five-yard reception. The rookie also returned Buffalo's final kickoff of the night, going 19 yards from the Jets' 2 to the 21.

Prior to being selected No. 143 overall by the Jets in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Brooklyn-born Abanikanda won the 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference rushing title while competing for Pittsburgh. He scored 21 touchdowns in 11 games during his final collegiate campaign.

The fifth-round rookie was the Jets' leading rusher in the preseason despite missing the final due to injury. In three exhibition contests, Abanikanda rushed 25 times for 113 yards and one touchdown.

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