As the NFL featured the league’s normal slate of games on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys were hard at work preparing for the team’s upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions. The Cowboys practiced and also made a series of roster moves, including revealing some potential good news for a star defender.
Dallas designated cornerback Trevon Diggs for return to practice. This does not necessarily mean Diggs will suit up against the Lions, but the cornerback could be playing sooner rather than later depending on how the defender performs in practice.
Additionally, the Cowboys added depth at running back by signing Israel Abanikanda.
Let’s explore the latest Cowboys roster moves as Dallas aims to keep the team’s recent momentum going.
New Cowboys RB Israel Abanikanda Posted 1,431 Rushing Yards & 20 TDs for Pitt in 2022
Following a standout college football career at Pitt, Abanikanda was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Prior to joining the NFL, Abanikanda’s best season came in 2022 when the running back posted 239 carries for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns at Pitt. Abanikanda also addd 12 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown through the air during the same season.
Abanikanda has been a bit of a journeyman in the NFL. The Jets released the running back in 2024, and Abanikanda has since had short stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers.
Heading Into the 2023 NFL Draft, Israel Abanikanda Drew Comparisons to Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco
Abanikanda is a former sprinter and brings some additional speed to Dallas. The running back posted a sub 4.4-second time in the 40 yard dash at Pitt’s pro day. Heading into the 2023 draft, Abanikanda drew comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.
“A zone-scheme runner with early down size, Abanikanda can be a bit inconsistent with his reads and tempo early in the run,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile of Abanikanda. “However, he has plant-and-go agility and is able to snap off cuts at tight angles to elude short-area traffic when needed.
“He has terrific top-end speed to gash a poorly fitted run front, but he needs to run with better discipline and downhill decisiveness to stay ahead of NFL speed. Abanikanda isn’t much of a third down option, but he does have the size and talent to compete for a RB2/3 slot early on with a chance to move up the depth chart in time.”
The Cowboys Have a 23% Chance to Make the NFL Playoffs
The Cowboys’ current stable of running backs have performed well this season, led by Javonte Williams. Dallas has received a spark from Malik Davis‘ touches in recent weeks as well.
The Cowboys still face an uphill battle to make the NFL playoffs despite the team’s recent surge. Dallas has a 23% chance to make the postseason heading into the team’s primetime showdown against Detroit, per The Athletic.
The Lions are a 3-point home favorite versus the Cowboys, per FanDuel. Detroit is coming off a 31-24 loss to Green Bay on Thanksgiving Day. The upcoming games marks back-to-back Thursday night contests for both the Lions and Cowboys.
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