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Football

Will injury to New York Jets rookie impact chances of making the regular season roster?

Philip Marsh
Will injury to New York Jets rookie impact chances of making the regular season roster?DAZN

New York Jets' rookie running back Israel Abanikanda is a doubt for the team's final preseason game after suffering a fourth-quarter injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 20-year-old has impressed this preseason after his fifth-round selecion in the 2023 NFL Draft.

After scoring touchdowns on each of his first two preseason games, Abanikanda could not find the end zone against the Buccs, however he did rush for 30 yards off four carries.

Unfortunately for the rookie and the Jets, Abanikanda had to be assisted off the field in the fourth quarter and was immediately ruled out for the rest of the game with a thigh contusion.

Abanikanda is hoping to make the Jets' 53-man roster for the regular season behind running backs Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter.

The rookie's main competition for a spot on the roster comes from Zonovan Knight, who has not been as impressive as Abanikanda so far in preseason.

“Him [Knight] and Izzy are doing a really nice job, making it hard on us,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh.

Saleh and the Jets have until 29 August to make a final decision on their 53-man roster.

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