Abanikanda now sits third on the Jets' depth chart at running back after the team waived Michael Carter on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Carter had served as the Jets' third-down running back for most of the season, handling about a quarter of the team's snap on offense through the first nine games while playing behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook. While Carter's departure may open up a few extra snaps for Cook, it also paves the way for Abanikanda -- who has been inactive for all nine games to date -- to suit up for the first time in his NFL career. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh rushed for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns during his final season of college, but he saw limited involvement in the passing game (12-146-1 receiving line on 20 targets). Given that Hall and Cook are proven pass catchers, and Hall is a uniquely effective rusher, Abanikanda may not have a defined role in the game plan this Sunday at Buffalo.