The San Francisco 49ers announced they have claimed RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets. In order to make room on the roster, the team placed RB Christian McCaffrey on the Injured Reserve List. In addition, the team has signed WR Ronnie Bell to the team's practice squad.
Abanikanda (5-10, 216) was originally drafted by the Jets in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Throughout his two-year career, Abanikanda has appeared in six games and registered 22 carries for 70 yards on the ground to go along with seven receptions for 43 yards. In 2024, Abanikanda was inactive for each of the Jets 12 games this season prior to being waived by the team on December 2, 2024.
A 22-year-old native of Brooklyn, NY, Abanikanda attended the University of Pittsburgh (2020-22) where he appeared in 30 games and registered 385 carries for 2,161 yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 38 receptions for 354 yards and three touchdowns through the air. In 2022, Abanikanda earned First-Team All-ACC.
Bell (6-0, 190) was originally drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round (253rd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Throughout his two-year career, Bell has appeared in 26 games and registered eight receptions for 90 yards and three touchdowns. In 2024, he appeared in nine games and registered two receptions for 22 yards. He was waived by the team on November 30, 2024.
A 24-year-old native of Kansas City, MO, Bell attended the University of Michigan (2018-22) where he appeared in 47 games (31 starts) and registered 145 receptions for 2,269 yards and earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors (2022).
McCaffrey (5-11, 210) started in all four games he appeared in this season and registered 50 carries for 202 yards on the ground to go along with 15 receptions for 146 yards.
