Abanikanda’s Arrival Raises Stakes for Jaydon Blue in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys may have strengthened their backfield by signing Israel Abanikanda, a player the Cowboys had in high regard in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The move happened at a pivotal point in the season. The Cowboys are riding a three-game win streak while still searching for a plausible backup to Javonte Williams.

We have watched Malik Davis hold his own behind Williams the last couple of games, but the focus seems to be on building reliable, explosive depth.

That’s where Abanikanda could enter the fold.

Young, Unproven, and Untapped Potential

Fans need to know Abanikanda is just 23 years old, he brings top-tier athleticism to the practice squad.

During his breakout 2022 season at the University of Pittsburgh, he rushed for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns, showing the big-play ability Dallas seems to value in a backup.

His blend of power and speed makes him a great developmental back behind Williams and Davis.

I know the Cowboys are not looking for a running back to carry the offense. They have that in Williams, but Abanikanda is a young runner who can strengthen the depth at the position.

A low-cost, high upside addition is a very Jerry and Stephen Jones type of move.

Where Does Jaydon Blue Fit Into the Cowboys RB Picture

We all could not wait for rookie running back Jaydon Blue to get on the field for the Cowboys, but his debut was lackluster to put it lightly.

Blue has been a healthy scratch in nearly every game this season and is unable to play on special teams, negating his value to the team.

We all remember the accusations that he was lazy in practice and never seemed to be ready to play. Those speculations were debunked by running backs coach Derrick Foster, but why would they admit a player is lazy.

One has to wonder if the addition of Abanikanda shifts the competitive landscape. Blue is no longer the lone developmental back on the roster.

For the first time this season, he has another running back on the roster with the same type of skills to push him for the future RB3 or RB4 role.

A Quiet Move With Real Implications

The Cowboys deciding to sign Israel Abanikanda is a great forward-thinking move by the front office.

This move does not change Javonte Williams’ role, or, to a lesser extent, Malik Davis, but it does show some disappointment in Jaydon Blue.

The move commits to reinforcing the run game, creates competition, and strengthens the roster behind Williams and Davis.

For Abanikanda, this is an opportunity to get some snaps if he shows he can learn the offense quickly.

We want to see this team succeed, and the front office is building competition at a position that will be needed for a stretch run.