Jets’ Israel Abanikanda makes case to make squad with long TD run

Jets running back Israel Abanikanda made his case to be the team’s fourth running back against the Giants on Saturday night.

The second-year back started the game with the team’s top three running backs all not playing.

He rushed for 83 yards on nine carries, including a 45-yard touchdown, in the Jets’ 10-6 victory.

Now, Abanikanda has to hope it was enough to secure a roster spot when the team makes its cuts.

NFL teams must get down to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

“I think he helped himself with regard to everyone noticing,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “But it’s not anything we haven’t noticed already. He’s had an awesome training camp. He’s one of those guys we’re going to have to make decisions on.”

Breece Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis have all been ahead of Abanikanda this summer and are expected to be the top three backs when the season starts.

“I feel like it was a real competitive training camp,” Abanikanda said. “I feel like I got better, a lot, a whole lot, especially from last year.”

The Jets drafted Abanikanda in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh. The Brooklyn native had just 22 carries for 70 yards as a rookie, appearing in six games.

The Jets rested nearly everyone on the team who is expected to make the opening day roster.

Adrian Martinez started at quarterback and went 12 of 20 for 99 yards and rushed for 23 yards.

Andrew Peasley replaced him at halftime and went 5 of 11 for 75 yards.

Those two are likely competing for a spot on the practice squad as the team’s third quarterback.

The Jets suffered some injuries that could affect their offensive line depth.

Linemen Xavier Newman and Max Mitchell both left the game with shoulder injuries in the first half.

Both players are in contention for spots on the 53-man roster as backups.

TE Kenny Yeboah also left the game with a groin injury. Yeboah projects as the team’s third tight end.