The Green Bay Packers‘ running back room had a recent addition in former New York Jets running back, Israel Abanikanda.

Abanikanda has been expected – when signed last month – to compete with Chris Brooks and Emmanuel Wilson for one of the backup RB spots on the roster.

Given his pedigree as a former fifth round pick and some decent work on the field back in 2023, some believed he had a more than solid chance at beating out one of other backs to make the team.

However, according to long-time Sports Illustrated writer, Bill Huber, this is could quite possibly not be the case, as he projects that “Izzy” won’t make the 53-man roster for the regular season.

Indeed, he does not believe that Abanikanda will even make the practice squad, suggesting that rookie undrafted free agent will instead take that role, with Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Emmanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks taking the four spots.

Packers Recent Acquisition Projected To Not Make Cut

But the decision – per Huber – has less to do with Izzy as it does with the skills that Brooks has put on display.

“Brooks’ value showed on one of the first plays of Family Night,” Huber wrote on Monday, “when he stepped up to take on the blitz to allow Jordan Love to complete a pass.

His ability to be a tackle-breaking running back and effective fullback will be valuable.

And the athletic dynamism of Amar Johnson, according to Huber, will give him the opportunity to surpass fellow undrafted free agent, Jalen White, or the former Jet on the practice squad.

“The preseason and joint practices will determine whether Johnson or White,” Huber continued, “a pair of undrafted free agents, or Abanikanda, a fifth-round pick by the Jets in 2023, is worthy of a year of development. Maybe Johnson’s speed will give him the edge.”

How Does The Packers’ RB Room Stack Up In The NFC North?

The dual-headed monster of the Detroit Lions’ David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs currently comprises the most dangerous run game in the division, but the Packers are not far behind with the All-Pro Jacobs alongside Wilson and Brooks, both of whom performed excellently when called upon last season.

The big x-factor is MarShawn Lloyd, who was showing significant promise at Packers training camp before an injury during a hit from cornerback, Nate Hobbs.

Lloyd is expected to be out for another one to two weeks, but after missing almost all of his rookie season with an ankle injury, the team will no doubt look to exercise caution with his return.

Jacobs will remain the bell-cow back, or at least retain the majority of touches. However, there is a decent chance that either Lloyd or Wilson manage to eat into a chunk of those with sustained good play prior to and during the regular season.

And, who knows – if Abanikanda impresses in training camp, perhaps he too can make a mark on the Packers this season.