Cowboys Sign RB Israel Abanikanda to Practice Squad After Elevating Malik Davis

The late-season move gives Dallas backfield depth for its playoff push.

Overview

Dallas announced the practice-squad signing of Israel Abanikanda on Sunday, confirming the roster move late in the 2025 season.
Abanikanda fills the practice-squad spot opened when Malik Davis was signed to the active roster.
A 2023 fifth-round pick by the Jets, Abanikanda has since had brief stints with the 49ers and Packers with limited regular-season snaps.
He starred at Pitt with a 1,400-yard 2022 season that included 320 rushing yards and six touchdowns versus Virginia Tech, and he posted standout pro-day explosiveness numbers.
Dallas had tracked Abanikanda since his college days, and his role now ranges from scout-team depth to a potential audition that could pressure rookie Jaydon Blue.