Israel Abanikanda returns to Cowboys practice squad after Dallas reshuffles its backfield

Israel Abanikanda is back on the Cowboys’ practice squad after clearing waivers Thursday. Dallas waived the running back earlier in the week after signing Tyler Goodson from the Falcons’ practice squad, then re-signed Abanikanda to its developmental group, the team announced September 17. NFL.com’s transactions log independently lists the practice-squad signing on the same date.

The sequence has moved Abanikanda through three roster decisions in less than a week. Dallas originally signed him to the active roster after Malik Davis suffered a season-ending, non-contact hip injury before the season opener against the Giants. Abanikanda was inactive for that game. The Cowboys then added Goodson, waived Abanikanda and waited for him to clear before bringing him back.

Dallas now lists Javonte Williams, Emari Demercado, Tyler Goodson, Hunter Luepke and Abanikanda in its running-back group, with Abanikanda outside the active roster for the moment. That distinction matters as the Cowboys prepare for Washington. A practice-squad player can provide depth and continue learning the offense, while a game-day elevation would require a separate transaction.

The move also gives Dallas flexibility after losing Davis before the season began. Williams remains the headline back, while Demercado and Goodson are the immediate depth options. Abanikanda’s return keeps another familiar player in the room without forcing the team to use an active-roster spot.

For a Cowboys offense entering Week 2, the transaction is a small roster move with a clear practical purpose. Dallas has preserved a backfield option while keeping room to react to injuries, game plans and the final active list against Washington.