he Green Bay Packers don’t necessarily have a problem in the running back room. They have Josh Jacobs expected to handle the rock out of the backfield in the coming 2025 NFL season after a tremendous showing as the team’s RB1 in 2024.
MarShawn Lloyd is also ready to go, as he’s finally healthy after playing only a game in his rookie pro campaign in 2024 as well. Moreover, Green Bay has Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks on the running back pecking order.
However, the Packers still made a move on Friday to add more depth in the position, at least during the offseason. According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, Green Bay claimed former San Fraanciso 49ers running back off waivers.
Green Bay reportedly needed another running back after the team placed rookie Amar Johnson on the non-football injury list because of a lower-body issue.
The 22-year-old Abanikanda has seen action in six games in the NFL, which was back in 2023 with the New York Jets, amassing just 70 rushing yards and three first downs on 22 carries. He was released by the Jets in December of that year before getting claimed by the 49ers.
Social media reactions to Green Bay Packers’ RB move on Friday
Abanikanda’s addition barely moves the needle for the Packers, but it has sparked some attention and reaction on social media, particularly on X.
🧀 NEW: The Packers have claimed RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers, per @BillHuberNFL
Abanikanda was a first team all American at PITT in 2022, a 5th round pick by the Jets in 2024 and most recently a San Francisco 49er. pic.twitter.com/mBwXevsV0o
— CheeseheadTV 🧀 (@cheeseheadtv) July 25, 2025
“He’s really good and quick. He couldn’t be productive on those teams and hopefully we have a spot for him (but not too soon if you get my drift)! 😉”
“Just keep adding talent. Maybe Gute wants to send a message to the RB group. You can be replaced lol”
The Packers have claimed RB Israel Abanikanda off of waivers, per @AaronWilson_NFL
Abanikanda was drafted in the 5th round by the Jets in 2023. He was released by the Jets last December and picked up by the 49ers. He spent the last 8 months in San Francisco before being waved. pic.twitter.com/b7JD1TiAs8
— SleeperPackers (@SleeperPackers) July 25, 2025
“All good to have competition in the off season, if anything hr can make the practice squad”
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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