49ers Claim Israel Abanikanda

The 49ers claimed RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the Jets. The 2023 fifth-rounder never found playing time in New York, carrying 22 times last year and 0 this season. He was an intriguing prospect coming out of Pittsburgh, though, after leading the ACC in carries (239) and rushing yards (1,431) as a true junior in 2022. Abanikanda is still only 22 years old. He joins a 49ers backfield that just lost RBs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason for the rest of the fantasy season. Rookie Isaac Guerendo is set to step in as the lead back, while Patrick Taylor will likely be the No. 2. Abanikanda is ultimately a long shot for reliable fantasy value this season, but he's at least worth monitoring over the next couple of weeks.