Kene Nwangwu's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

New York Jets running back Kene Nwangwu has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 13 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. This is noteworthy because lead back Breece Hall (knee) is currently considered questionable for this game. The move to bring up Nwangwu could mean that Hall is headed in the wrong direction. If Hall sits, Braelon Allen would become the lead back with Isaiah Davis likely mixed in as well. Nwangwu probably wouldn't see any snaps, but is coming up as added insurance in the backfield.

The New Orleans Saints have claimed running back and punt returner Kene Nwangwu off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Nwangwu had been cut loose when the Vikings trimmed their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is primarily a return specialist, having attempted just 14 rushes over the last two seasons. On the other hand, he led the NFL with 35 punt returns in 2022 and tacked on another 15 over nine games last year. He owns an impressive 27.6 yards per return and three return touchdowns over 37 career contests. It's no surprise that Nwangwu was claimed off waivers given his special teams talent, but it's an interesting landing spot given that the Saints already have Rashid Shaheed on their roster. Presumably, Shaheed will handle kick returns and Nwangwu will get the nod for punt returns in 2024.

The Minnesota Vikings are moving on from running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu, according to a source. The Vikings are expected to cut or trade him by Tuesday's deadline. With Nwangwu and Myles Gaskin out of the picture in Minnesota, the Vikings only have running backs Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler in the RB room, alongside fullback C.J. Ham. The former fourth-round pick in 2021 out of Iowa State has plenty of speed, so at the very least, he should get another opportunity elsewhere as a kick returner on special teams in 2024. The 26-year-old had a career-low five carries for just 13 yards in nine games with the Vikings last year. Nwangwu has been more useful as a returner on special teams than as an offensive asset, as he's totaled just 88 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 27 career carries for a weak 3.3 yards per tote in 37 total games (zero starts).