Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Cowboys Announce Signing of Former All-American RB

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 3:31 PM ET

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, who opened the 2025 season 3-5-1, have bounced back with three straight wins, improving to 6-5-1 after a 31-28 victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Now the Cowboys will aim for a fourth straight win but face a tough road test against the Detroit Lions on Week 14’s “Thursday Night Football.”

Dallas had a strong day on the ground against Kansas City’s elite run defense, finishing with 137 yards on 26 carries. Starter Javonte Williams led the way with 59 yards, but it was Malik Davis who stole the show, juking his way to a 43-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to give Dallas its first lead of the day. Yet despite the solid running back play this year, the Cowboys have brought in a new one.

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Israel Abanikanda spent three seasons at Pittsburgh from 2020 to 2022, rushing for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final year and earning All-America honors. He was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2023 draft but saw limited playing time and was cut before the end of his second season.

After a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024, Abanikanda joined the Green Bay Packers' practice squad during the 2025 preseason, but was released shortly after Week 1. And after remaining a free agent for a couple of months, Abanikanda has received another chance, joining the Cowboys' practice squad on Sunday.

Along with Abanikanda, Dallas also revealed that Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs, who has missed the last six games with a concussion and a knee injury, has also returned to practice.

"The @dallascowboys designated CB Trevon Diggs for return to practice today," Dallas Cowboys Public Relations wrote on X. "Additionally, the club signed RB Israel Abanikanda to the practice squad."

The @dallascowboys designated CB Trevon Diggs for return to practice today.

Additionally, the club signed RB Israel Abanikanda to the practice squad.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) November 30, 2025