Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Wed 1/10/24 11:26 AM

Nwangwu failed to record a single snap on offense in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Lions.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu was not on the field for any offensive snaps for the third straight game Sunday. Instead, he played 13 special teams in the contest. The veteran running back appeared in just nine games this season, dealing with a back injury that landed him on injured reserve early in the 2023 campaign. Nwangwu attempted five rushes for 13 yards as he was minimally involved in Minnesota's offense and contributed mostly as a member of the special teams unit. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, the 25-year-old will look to take a step forward as a contributor before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Mon 12/18/23 4:08 PM

Nwangwu had one carry for one yard and had one kickoff return for 14 yards in Saturday's overtime loss at Cincinnati.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu worked as the backup running back to Ty Chandler with Alexander Mattison out with an ankle injury. He played 11 snaps on offense. Nwangwu could move back to just a special teams role if Alexander returns Sunday against Detroit.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Mon 12/11/23 7:45 PM

Nwangwu had two carries for three yards in Sunday's win at Las Vegas. He also had one kickoff return for 31 yards.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu played three snaps on offense as he got time as the backup running back with Alexander Mattison suffering a sprained ankle. Nwangwu could get increased playing time this week as the backup to Ty Chandler if Mattison is out.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Fri 12/8/23 6:31 PM

Nwangwu (concussion) was a full participant in Friday's practice and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu logged a full practice session Thursday after being limited Wednesday. His lack of an injury designation indicates that he was able to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. He'll provide backfield depth Sunday behind Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler while operating as the Vikings' main kick returner.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Thu 12/7/23 5:49 PM

Nwangwu (concussion) logged a full practice, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu was a limited participant Wednesday and took another meaningful step forward in the five-step concussion protocol Thursday by advancing to full activity. He'll still need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist before he's removed the protocol, but Nwangwu seemingly has a good chance of being available for Sunday's game against the Raiders if he avoids any setbacks in the next few days. If he's cleared to play this weekend, Nwangwu would serve as the team's top kickoff returner in addition to his duties as a depth option behind running backs Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Wed 12/6/23 7:42 PM

Nwangwu (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu played eight snaps on special teams and returned a kickoff for 38 yards in the Vikings' Week 12 loss to the Bears, but he may have sustained a concussion at some point along the way. With the benefit of a Week 13 bye, Nwangwu was able to return to the field for the Vikings' first Week 14 practice, but he'll still need to upgrade to full participation by Friday and gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to play Sunday against the Raiders. If available this weekend, Nwangwu would likely handle kick-return duties while serving as the No. 3 back behind Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Wed 11/15/23 7:41 AM

Nwangwu rushed two times for nine yards in Sunday's 27-19 win over the Saints.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu's two rushing attempts were his first carries of the season as Sunday's game was only his second appearance as a member of the active roster in the 2023 campaign. Though the veteran hasn't been a factor for the Vikings this season, he could see a slight increase in opportunities in Week 11 if starting running back Alexander Mattison misses time due to a concussion. With that said, Nwangwu would likely play behind Ty Chandler who proved to be an effective option out of the backfield against the Saints. The 25-year-old Nwangwu will look to make the most of his opportunities if called upon to be the No. 2 back when the Vikings visit the Broncos in Week 11.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Sun 11/5/23 11:54 AM

Nwangwu (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Falcons.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu was absent from Week 8 due to an illness, but he didn't appear on the team's injury report this week. The Iowa State product's next chance to suit up will be in Week 10 against the Saints.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Wed 11/1/23 5:32 PM

Nwangwu (illness) was not listed on the Vikings' injury report Wednesday.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu was ruled out of Sunday's contest against the Packers with an illness, but seems to be on track to return in Week 9 against the Falcons. Nwangwu made his 2023 debut in Week 7 against the 49ers after missing the first six games with a back injury. He contributes to the Vikings more as a kick returner than out of the backfield, despite the struggles of Cam Akers and Alexander Mattison in the running game.

Kene Nwangwu
RB MIN (6)
Sat 10/28/23 5:13 PM

Nwangwu (illness) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's contest against the Packers, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Nwangwu returned from injured reserve on Oct. 18 and made his 2023 debut in Week 7 against the 49ers. His return has been short-lived, though, as he was unable to practice Friday due to an illness. With Nwangwu out for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Packers, Ty Chandler is the most likely candidate to take over kick return duties.