Packers Cut Ex-Jets RB After Just One Month, Josh Jacobs Reflects on Ruthless RB Competition

Green Bay, WI – August 9

NFL training camp can be unforgiving, and for Israel Abanikanda, it was a lesson learned the hard way. The former New York Jets running back, signed by the Green Bay Packers just a month ago with hopes of rejuvenating his young career, was released Tuesday amid a fierce battle for roster spots in a crowded running back room.

Abanikanda, a former fifth-round pick with flashes of promise in New York, arrived in Green Bay eager to compete for a backup role. However, the emergence of undrafted rookie Amar Johnson, the strong camp performance of Chris Brooks and Emmanuel Wilson, and the steady presence of All-Pro Josh Jacobs left little margin for error. Coaches praised Abanikanda’s effort but ultimately chose to prioritize versatility and special teams value, signaling the end of his short Packers tenure.

Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but stressed the reality of NFL competition: “Every spot is earned, not given. We have a talented group, and we have to make tough calls for the best of the team.”

Veteran leader Josh Jacobs, the clear-cut RB1, spoke candidly about the cut after Wednesday’s practice. Having witnessed similar stories throughout his career, Jacobs offered perspective on the relentless nature of the league:

“This league, especially in the running back room, is all about survival. Every year, every camp, you see good dudes come in hungry, but not everyone can stay. We push each other, we compete, but at the end of the day, there’s only so many helmets. I respect Izzy for how he worked, but this is Green Bay — you gotta bring something special, every single day, or the next man is right behind you.”

With Abanikanda gone, the Packers’ running back rotation now features Jacobs, rookie MarShawn Lloyd, and a heated battle between Chris Brooks, Emmanuel Wilson, and Amar Johnson for the final roster spots. As preseason grinds on, every snap and every drill grows in importance — not just for who makes the team, but for who will earn meaningful touches alongside Jacobs come September.

The NFL is a business of opportunity, heartbreak, and relentless competition. In Green Bay, that reality is felt most deeply in a running back room where nothing is guaranteed, and every day could be someone’s last.