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

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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.

 

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Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”