Green Bay Packers Claim Explosive Running Back Israel Abanikanda Off Waivers From 49ers, Adding Speed and Depth to Offensive Backfield
In a move that could add a new dimension to their offensive arsenal, the Green Bay Packers have officially claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. The announcement, made Sunday afternoon, marks an intriguing acquisition for a team seeking depth, speed, and versatility as it prepares for the 2025 NFL season.
Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round pick out of the University of Pittsburgh, entered the league with high expectations following a breakout college career. Although his tenure with the 49ers was limited—largely due to a crowded backfield and minor injuries—his potential has never been in question. For the Packers, this move is not merely about adding another running back to the roster; it’s about finding a complementary piece who could thrive in Matt LaFleur’s zone-based system.
A Player with Rare Burst and Potential
At Pitt, Abanikanda lit up the ACC with his explosive running style, demonstrating excellent vision, top-end speed, and surprising power for a 5-foot-11, 215-pound back. In 2022, he rushed for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping six-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash at Pitt’s Pro Day caught the attention of scouts across the league, reinforcing the belief that he could become a serious weapon at the next level.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst praised the pickup during Sunday’s press conference:
“We’ve been keeping tabs on Israel for a while. His skill set aligns well with what we’re trying to do offensively. He has the speed to break big plays, and we think he can help us both in the running and passing game.”
Green Bay’s Backfield Strategy Shifts
The Packers’ running back room has undergone a significant facelift since the offseason began. With longtime veteran Aaron Jones now with the Minnesota Vikings and AJ Dillon playing on a one-year prove-it deal, the door is open for new contributors.
While rookie MarShawn Lloyd has impressed in camp, the Packers clearly believe in competition. Abanikanda’s arrival brings another layer to that competition—a player who can accelerate through the hole, threaten the edge, and bring kick-return upside if needed.
Running backs coach Ben Sirmans spoke highly of the new addition:
“What jumps out is his ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 in a blink. We’ll get him up to speed in the playbook, but the raw tools are definitely there.”
A Fresh Start After a Stagnant Stint in San Francisco
Abanikanda’s rookie year with the 49ers was underwhelming on the stat sheet—just 14 carries for 55 yards and a handful of special teams snaps. But much of that can be attributed to circumstance rather than performance. The 49ers boasted one of the league’s most loaded backfields, headlined by Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell, leaving few opportunities for a rookie to see the field.
Still, insiders from San Francisco maintained that Abanikanda’s work ethic and attitude were never in question. According to one team source:
“He just needed a clearer path to playing time. In a different system, with a more defined role, he can thrive.”
The Packers may offer that system. LaFleur’s scheme, which relies on wide zone running plays and play-action passes, has historically been friendly to backs who can get to the edge quickly and make defenders miss in space. Abanikanda’s skill set fits that mold perfectly.
Fit With Jordan Love and the Offense
Jordan Love enters his second year as Green Bay’s starting quarterback, and the front office is working to surround him with as many versatile weapons as possible. With Christian Watson and Jayden Reed on the outside and Luke Musgrave emerging at tight end, the addition of a home-run hitter out of the backfield makes the Packers even more unpredictable.
LaFleur emphasized this dynamic:
“We want to be multi-dimensional on offense. Israel brings an element that’s different from our other backs. That burst, that quickness—you can’t teach that.”
In early practices since his arrival, Abanikanda has already flashed his speed, turning heads with a 60-yard run in team drills and demonstrating soft hands during passing sessions. His ability to catch out of the backfield could also help the Packers mask blitzes and give Love more options on third down.
Depth Chart Implications
With Dillon penciled in as the lead back and Lloyd expected to earn meaningful reps, Abanikanda enters a crowded but not insurmountable situation. The Packers typically carry three or four running backs into the season, and special teams value will be key.
That’s where Abanikanda could also shine. He returned kicks at Pitt and has experience on coverage units, which could give him the edge over fringe roster competitors like Emanuel Wilson and Ellis Merriweather.
“Special teams will be a big part of how we evaluate that position group,” said Rich Bisaccia, the Packers’ special teams coordinator. “Israel brings us flexibility there, no doubt.”
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
Financially, the waiver claim costs the Packers very little. Abanikanda is still on his rookie contract, meaning Green Bay gets a potential impact player at a bargain price. If it works out, they’ve added a valuable offensive piece for the present and future. If it doesn’t, they can move on with little financial consequence.
The timing also matters. The claim comes with two full weeks left in training camp, allowing coaches time to integrate Abanikanda and evaluate his performance in joint practices and preseason games.
Fan Reaction and League Buzz
Packers fans, still buzzing from the team’s strong showing late last season and the playoff victory over Dallas, greeted the news with optimism.
“I loved this guy at Pitt,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We needed speed in the backfield—this could be the steal of the offseason.”
National analysts also weighed in. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero called it “a sneaky-good move,” while ESPN’s Matt Bowen praised the fit, noting that Abanikanda is “tailor-made for the LaFleur system.”
While not a blockbuster move, the addition of Israel Abanikanda to the Green Bay Packers’ roster could prove to be one of the more shrewd under-the-radar acquisitions of the summer. His college pedigree, speed, and schematic fit all point to a player who just needed the right opportunity.
In Green Bay, that opportunity may finally arrive.
As training camp unfolds and preseason battles heat up, all eyes will be on Abanikanda to see if he can fulfill the promise he showed at Pitt—and give the Packers a new offensive spark as they push for a return to NFC North dominance in 2025.
