New York Jets' second-year running back Israel Abanikanda did himself a favor in his fight to secure a roster spot on Saturday night against the Carolina Panthers.
The Brooklyn-born ball carrier led the Jets with 29 yards rushing on six attempts, earning recognition from head coach Robert Saleh.
"Izzy, I thought he ran the ball really well in the third quarter, being decisive, getting his foot in the ground, getting vertical," said Saleh following the 15-12 exhibition road win.
Abanikanda, who played collegiately for Pitt, was on the field for 12 third-quarter snaps on Saturday in Carolina.
Touching the ball for the first time on the first snap of the second half, he showed nice burst on a 12-yard carry. Abanikanda moved the chains again on a subsequent Jets' possession. After a five-yard gain on first down, the 21-year-old ran six yards to set up a fresh set of downs at the opponent's 28.
In moves that signaled danger for Abanikanda's roster status, the Jets used two middle-round draft picks on running backs this past April. Throughout training camp, it's become clear that rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis have leapfrogged Abanikanda on the depth chart, making the local product somewhat of an afterthought.
As long as the effort is there, it's difficult to expect any organization to give up on a fifth-round draft pick after only one full year. Although he may wind up routinely being a gameday inactive, Abanikanda will likely survive the final cutdown.
Abanikanda carried six times for 17 yards and one touchdown in the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. He also made one eight-yard reception.
More New York Jets News:
• Jets announce 32 players sitting out preseason battle in Carolina
• Two Jets' depth pieces injured in preseason victory at Carolina
• Jets' former $45 million man signs with Dallas Cowboys
• Failed Jets' experiment gets chance to start for Vikings
• Rodgers's favorite target sparks Jets after slow start vs. Panthers
