The San Francisco 49ers recently released running back Israel Abanikanda to make room for a wide receiver. The Green Bay Packers, led by head coach Matt LaFleur, wasted no time by claiming Abanikanda off waivers.
We know LaFleur is good friends with Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan. Their relationship dates back to their time in Houston together. That is why it is no surprise to see LaFleur and the Packers swoop right in to sign a player that Shanahan has ties to.
The 49ers claimed Abanikanda off waivers last December when they were dealing with a bevy of injuries to their running backs. He did not see any playing time with the Niners, and the only NFL action he has had was with the New York Jets back in 2023. He ran the ball 22 times for 70 yards that season.
Abanikanda had an impressive collegiate career at Pitt, setting the single-game rushing record and even scoring six touchdowns in one game. He seemed like he could be an interesting X-factor on San Francisco's running back depth chart, but he ended up being the odd man out.
We will see if he can break through with Green Bay.
The 49ers were willing to part ways with him because wide receiver is a position they simply had to address with all the injuries they have sustained at the position as well as the whole Jauan Jennings contract situation.
The running back depth chart now looks a little different, but the Niners still have options behind Christian McCaffrey who is returning from an injury-plagued 2024 season.
Isaac Guerendo is the favorite at this point to be McCaffrey's backup after his impressive rookie campaign in 2024. Patrick Taylor Jr. is also still on the team after having to fill in at times last season.
San Francisco drafted Jordan James out of the University of Oregon so he could compete for carries this season. They also signed UDFA Corey Kiner who has an opportunity to make a name for himself in training camp. The 49ers have a history of undrafted running backs turning into solid players like Matt Breida and Jordan Mason so Kiner could be the next one to break out.
Abanikanda was a nice depth option for San Francisco to have, but now he has a chance to prove himself with a similar offense-minded coach in LaFleur in Green Bay.