Nwangwu had three carries for 33 yards during Monday's divisional win over the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

Nwangwu operated as the No. 2 option behind Dalvin Cook with Alexander Mattison (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and he showcased some explosiveness despite only logging three touches. He also returned two kickoffs for 51 yards. The rookie fourth-round pick isn't a likely candidate to return fantasy value as long Cook remains healthy, especially when Mattison returns to the lineup, but he's worth keeping an eye on in dynasty formats.

Nwangwu had two carries for zero yards, caught two of three targets for four yards and returned two kickoffs for 65 yards during Sunday's 29-27 loss to the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Nwangwu operated as Minnesota's No. 2 tailback with Dalvin Cook (shoulder) sidelined, but the rookie still played only nine offensive snaps. Alexander Mattison unsurprisingly dominated the backfield work with 22 carries and three receptions. Nwangwu is unlikely to have a significant offensive role while one of Cook or Mattison is healthy.

Nwangwu (illness) is active for Sunday's game against the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Nwangwu is set for a potentially prominent role in the Vikings' offense Sunday against the Lions. With Dalvin Cook (shoulder) out, Nwangwu will be slotted behind only Alexander Mattison on the running back depth chart. After landing on IR due to an injury suffered in their preseason opener, Nwangwu emerged in Week 8 against Dallas and quickly began making an impact on special teams, returning kickoffs for a touchdown in Week 9 and Week 12. Selected in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, Nwangwu has recorded two carries on the season for 16 yards, numbers he'll try to expand on Sunday.

Nwangwu is questionable for Sunday's game against Detroit with an illness.

EDGE Analysis

Nwangwu was expected to serve as the Vikings' backup running back behind Alexander Mattison with Dalvin Cook (shoulder) sidelined. It appears that there is still a decent chance for him to suit up, though an illness has jeopardized his availability after he logged full practices all week. In addition to further depleting the running back depth chart, Nwangwu's potential absence would hurt the Vikings' return game, as he has two kick-return touchdowns this season.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer hinted that Nwangwu will have a role on offense Sunday against the Lions with top back Dalvin Cook (shoulder) ruled out for the contest, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

In the absence of Cook -- who could be sidelined until the Vikings' Week 15 game in Chicago due to a dislocated shoulder -- Minnesota will likely turn to Alexander Mattison as a three-down workhorse, a role he handled capably in place of an injured Cook in Weeks 3 and 5. Ameer Abdullah had served as Mattison's top understudy in those contests, but since been released and picked up by Carolina, Nwangwu is the lone healthy running back behind Mattison on the 53-man roster. Nwangwu, a rookie fourth-round draft pick, has just two carries to his name (for 16 yards) and has played only two snaps on offense through five appearances, but he's shown some playmaking abilities in space on special teams with two kickoff returns for scores in the past two weeks. Look for the Vikings to find ways to get the ball in Nwangwu's hands and take advantage of his 4.32-second 40-yard-dash speed when he's on the field, but he's still unlikely to see enough snaps and touches to make for a reliable fantasy option, even in deeper leagues.

Nwangwu ran one time for seven yards and added a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown during Sunday's 34-26 loss to the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

With the Vikings trailing 31-20 in the third quarter, Nwangwu exploded 99-yards down the right sideline for his second kick-return touchdown of the season. The return specialist also saw his first two offensive snaps of the season in the fourth quarter, which could be a sign of things to come with Dalvin Cook (shoulder) expected to miss an extended period of time. Alexander Mattison is expected to once again take over the primary running back duties with Cook out, but Nwangwu's explosive kick returns may be enough for him to carve out an offensive role as well.

Nwangwu returned a kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown and also had a nine-yard carry for a first down on a fake punt in Sunday's overtime loss at Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

He also had another kickoff for 23 yards. Nwangwu has been limited to special teams, but his speed there can make an impact for the Vikings.

Nwangwu (knee) was activated from injured reserve Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Nwangwu was designated to return to practice in late September and the team clearly feels he looks good enough to rejoin the active roster. The Vikings released Ameer Abdullah in a corresponding move, leaving Nwangwu as the third-string running back behind Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison.

The Vikings designated Nwangwu (knee) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He's scheduled to participate in practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie fourth-round pick hyperextended his left knee on the opening kickoff of his first preseason game. Nwangwu won't necessarily have a role on offense once he's activated, even if it happens this week and if Dalvin Cook (ankle) misses another game. However, the rookie could be an immediate contributor on special teams, where his 4.32-second 40-yard dash speed can be put to good use while he learns the finer points of the position. Nwangwu's prospect profile is all measurables, no production; he saw just 150 touches in four seasons at Iowa State while backing up David Montgomery and then Breece Hall.

Nwangwu (knee) was seen working on a side field during Wednesday's practice, Eric Smith of the Vikings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nwangwu hyperextended his left knee during a preseason matchup with the Browns on Aug. 14 and was placed on IR before the initial 53-man roster deadline. The rookie fourth-round pick is eligible to come off IR as soon as Week 4, but the Vikings aren't going to rush anything because he will need to be conditioned. When healthy, Nwangwu will likely compete with Ameer Abdullah for the No. 3 running back job.