The San Francisco 49ers placed a running back on waivers earlier this week.
The Green Bay Packers didn’t let him pass them by.
On Friday, the Packers were awarded Israel Abanikanda via waiver claim, according to NFL transactions reporter Aaron Wilson.
Abanikanda was in camp with the 49ers but was waived to make room for a pair of new wide receiver signings.
The 5-foot-10, 216-pound running back was originally a fifth-round pick of the Jets in 2023 out of Pitt.
He played in six games as a rookie, getting 22 carries for 70 yards and seven catches for 43 yards.
Abanikanda didn’t get into a game in 2024, and the Jets released him in December.
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The 49ers claimed Abanikanda the next day last December, clearly a bit interested in him.
He didn’t make it to August, though, before the 49ers deemed him expendable.
Abanikanda also has experience as a kick returner with the Jets, a chance at a bit of added value in Green Bay.
He’s a longshot to make the team, but he’s got just enough ability and pedigree to believe he has a shot.
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