Abdullah was drafted in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and has appeared in 154 career games across six organizations.
The Jaguars did not add a single running back in the 2026 NFL Draft despite Etienne's exit, signing only rookie free agent J'Mari Taylor in the aftermath.
He joins a crowded backfield that includes Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez, LeQuint Allen Jr., DeeJay Dallas, and J'Mari Taylor, and is a long shot to make the initial 53-man roster barring injuries.
What He Brings
Abdullah turns 33 in June and spent last season with the Colts, mainly playing special teams, though he did produce 60 yards rushing with one touchdown and 16 catches for 99 yards.
For his career, he has rushed for 2,054 yards and nine touchdowns on 508 carries, caught 219 passes for 1,567 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns, and returned 170 kicks for 4,346 yards.
That kick return production is the most immediately relevant number for Jacksonville.
Jaguars signed veteran RB Ameer Abdullah.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 11, 2026
The passing game element is the other reason this signing makes sense.
Etienne accounted for 36 catches for 292 yards with six touchdowns last season out of the backfield. Tuten will take on some of those targets, but Jacksonville may want options in the passing game, and Abdullah's ability as a receiver out of the backfield is valuable.
The Context Around the Move
Abdullah landed on season-ending injured reserve after a rib issue sustained in the 49ers' preseason opener last August, was released on an injury settlement, and then signed with the Colts, where he compiled 14 carries and 16 catches for 159 total yards in a crowded backfield.
The injury concern is there for a 33-year-old entering his 12th season, but Jacksonville is not betting on him as a starter.
The truth is it does not hurt the Jaguars to kick the tires on Abdullah. He is an affordable signing that brings competition at running back. If things don't work out, they can simply move on.
Notable moves by the #Jaguars today:
— SleeperJaguars (@SleeperJaguars) May 11, 2026
🐆 Signed RB Ameer Abdullah
🐆 Re-signed OL Sal Wormley
🐆 Placed OL Jordan White on the Reserve/Retired List
🐆 Waived RB Ja'Quinden Jackson
Currently pouring one out for Jackson, thought he'd be RB4 ✊😞 pic.twitter.com/gfgWugsX9C
The Jaguars also re-signed offensive lineman Sal Wormley, placed offensive lineman Jordan White on the reserve/retired list, and waived running back Ja'Quinden Jackson in the same set of roster moves Monday.
Photo Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
