FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are waiving running back Israel Abanikanda, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported Sunday, citing a source. Archer posted the move at 3:17 p.m. CT.
That leaves Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, and Hunter Luepke in the room. Luepke is listed at fullback.
Archer wrote that Dallas is potentially looking at practice squad call-ups at the position on gamedays. He also noted that the roster being set Sunday is the initial 53, not the final 53.
Abanikanda has fewer than four accrued seasons, so he goes to waivers rather than straight into free agency. Claims begin at noon CT on Monday. Practice squad signings follow at 5 p.m.
Israel Abanikanda’s Route To Dallas
The New York Jets drafted Abanikanda in the fifth round in 2023, 143rd overall, out of Pittsburgh. He carried 22 times for 70 yards across six games in his first two seasons. He also caught 7 passes for 43 yards.
On Dec. 2, 2024, the Jets released him, and the San Francisco 49ers claimed him the next day. San Francisco waived him on July 24, 2025. The Green Bay Packers claimed him a day later, released him on Aug. 27, signed him to the practice squad the same day, and released him again on Sept. 8. Dallas signed him to its practice squad on Nov. 30 and gave him a future contract on Jan. 6.
At Pittsburgh, Abanikanda ran for 320 yards against Virginia Tech in 2022. That broke the school single-game record of 303 set by Tony Dorsett in 1975. He scored 6 rushing touchdowns in the same game and was a first-team All-American that season.
Cowboys Running Back Cuts On Sunday
Dallas waived Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah earlier Sunday. Blue went 149th overall in the 2025 draft and Mafah 239th. Abanikanda and Mafah both dealt with rib injuries after the preseason opener at Seattle, and Blue hurt his shoulder in the same game.
Abanikanda carried 7 times for 16 yards in that opener on Aug. 15 and caught 3 passes for 16 yards. He was one of three backs who took carries in Friday’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints, along with Mafah and Jashaun Corbin.
Practice Squad Elevations And The Final 53
Under league rules, teams can elevate two practice squad players to the game-day roster each week without signing them to the active roster. A player can be elevated three times in a season before the team has to add him outright.
Week 1 is Sept. 13 at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants. Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC.
