The Dallas Cowboys are reshaping their backfield after a rough rushing performance in Week 1 against the New York Giants. The team added a running back from the Atlanta Falcons, which necessitated parting ways with a veteran. Israel Abanikanda, who joined the Cowboys, was released to make room for the new addition, Tyler Goodson. Abanikanda, known for a standout college career at Pitt, had multiple NFL opportunities but did not secure a consistent NFL role. Before his release, he appeared in six NFL games, all with the New York Jets in 2023. In 2022, during his final college season, Abanikanda rushed for 1,431 yards on 239 carries and scored 20 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top collegiate backs that year.
Here’s the latest on Dallas’ status and moves.
Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed frustration with the team’s rushing attack after the opener. Dallas gained just 69 rushing yards versus the Giants, and Schottenheimer said the Cowboys were pushed around at the line of scrimmage. He pointed to heavy penetration from the Giants’ defensive front early in the game, noting that Javonte Williams faced a wall at the point of attack. While adjustments were made at halftime, Schottenheimer framed the issue as a team-wide challenge rather than a single unit problem.
