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When it comes to the world of professional sports, the health and availability of key players can make or break a team’s performance. In the case of the New York Jets, one player who has been in the spotlight due to injury concerns is Israel Abanikanda, their talented running back. In this article, we’ll provide you with the latest updates on Israel Abanikanda’s injury status, delve into what happened to him, and explore his promising career. Plus, we’ll address the burning question: Will Israel Abanikanda play in Week 17?
Israel Abanikanda Injury Update
As of December 26, 2023, the New York Jets’ running back, Israel Abanikanda, faced limitations in the team’s walkthrough practice due to an ankle concern, as reported by Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. This development raises significant doubts about his potential availability for the impending Thursday game against the Cleveland Browns.
Adding to the concern is a concurrent knee injury, putting Abanikanda’s participation at risk. The pivotal moment comes on Wednesday; if he fails to practice fully, there’s a high likelihood of him carrying an injury designation into Thursday’s game.
This underscores the importance of closely monitoring updates on Abanikanda’s condition, as it may dictate his role in the crucial matchup. Fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike are advised to stay tuned for further developments in his injury status leading up to the game against the Browns.
What Happened to Israel Abanikanda?
Israel Abanikanda, the New York Jets’ running back, faced challenges leading up to the Thursday game against the Cleveland Browns. Limited in Tuesday’s walkthrough due to an ankle issue, concerns escalated as a concurrent knee injury threatened his availability.
His participation in Wednesday’s full practice became pivotal; failure could result in carrying an injury designation into Thursday’s matchup. Despite being listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders, Abanikanda played, dispelling doubts about his ankle.
Notably, he surpassed Dalvin Cook as the No. 2 running back in recent games, showcasing promise with a career-high nine carries for 43 yards in Week 16. As fans await updates, the trajectory of Abanikanda’s role hinges on his recovery, impacting the Jets’ running back lineup and potential contributions to the team.
Who is Israel Abanikanda?
Israel “Izzy” Adewale Abanikanda, is an American football running back for the National Football League’s (NFL) New York Jets. He played collegiate football at the University of Pittsburgh. Abanikanda made a significant mark during his time at Pitt, particularly in Week 6 of 2022, where he established a new single-game rushing record for the university.
His remarkable performance included rushing for an impressive 320 yards against Virginia Tech, surpassing the previous record of 303 yards set by Tony Dorsett in 1975. Notably, in the same game, Abanikanda achieved a noteworthy feat by tying both the school and ACC conference record with six rushing touchdowns, showcasing his exceptional talent and contribution to Pitt’s football legacy.
Israel Abanikanda Career
Israel “Izzy” Adewale Abanikanda, a standout from Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York, earned the Gatorade Football Player of the Year for New York as a senior, amassing 1,350 yards and 20 touchdowns. With seventeen scholarship offers, he committed to the University of Pittsburgh in June 2019.
His collegiate journey began as a true freshman in 2020, playing seven games and scoring one touchdown. In his sophomore year, Abanikanda made a significant impact, rushing for 651 yards and seven touchdowns while also contributing as a kick returner.
Recognized on the Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watchlist in 2022, he continued to shine, earning ACC Running Back of the Week twice. Despite a brief setback with a shoulder injury, Abanikanda concluded the season with 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns, securing an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in January 2023.
Will Israel Abanikanda Play in Week 17?
Israel Abanikanda’s Week 17 availability for the New York Jets remains uncertain. Limited in Tuesday’s walkthrough due to an ankle issue, his participation in Wednesday’s full practice is pivotal. A concurrent knee injury adds complexity, and if he can’t practice fully, he may carry an injury designation into Thursday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Abanikanda, despite being listed as questionable in previous weeks, played through the ankle concern, showcasing resilience. His recent performance, including a career-high nine carries for 43 yards in Week 16, highlights his significance in the Jets’ running back rotation. Fans eagerly await updates on his status, as his ability to contribute in Week 17 hinges on his recovery. Abanikanda’s dynamic role and potential impact on the Jets’ lineup remain uncertain until more information surfaces.
Israel Abanikanda Injury Update: FAQs
1. What is the current status of Israel Abanikanda’s injury?
As of December 26, 2023, Abanikanda faces limitations in practice due to an ankle concern, raising doubts about his availability for the Thursday game against the Cleveland Browns.
2. Why is there concern about Abanikanda’s participation in the upcoming game?
In addition to the ankle issue, a concurrent knee injury puts Abanikanda’s participation at risk, and if he can’t practice fully on Wednesday, there’s a high likelihood of him carrying an injury designation into Thursday’s game.
3. How did Abanikanda perform in recent games despite the injury concerns?
Abanikanda played through ankle concerns, showcasing resilience and surpassing Dalvin Cook as the No. 2 running back, with a notable performance of nine carries for 43 yards in Week 16.
4. What is Abanikanda’s career background and notable achievements at the University of Pittsburgh?
Abanikanda, a former Gatorade Football Player of the Year, set a single-game rushing record at Pitt with 320 yards and tied records with six rushing touchdowns in a game.
5. Will Abanikanda play in Week 17, and how does his recovery impact the Jets’ lineup?
Abanikanda’s Week 17 availability is uncertain; fans await updates as his recovery from ankle and knee issues will determine his role and impact on the Jets’ running back rotation.
Don’t miss out on the latest updates regarding Israel Abanikanda’s injury status and his potential impact on the New York Jets. Stay informed and stay tuned for more information as the game approaches. For more sports news and updates, be sure to follow BuzRush!
