KENE NWANGWU NEWS

Kene Nwangwu has the speed. What else can he bring to the Vikings? Vikings rookie Kene Nwangwu has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in only five games. Now he might have a growing role in the running gam...

DECEMBER 5, 2021 • STARTRIBUNE.COM

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

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Should have role on offense 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 o...

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

"Vikings Live" Player Interview: RB Kene Nwangwu The Voice of the Vikings, Paul Allen, talked with RB Kene Nwangwu on the Week 13 edition of "Vikings Live."

DECEMBER 3, 2021 • VIKINGS.COM

'Like nothing you've ever seen:' After impressing as a returner, Vikings RB Kene Nwangwu set for bigger role After two kickoff returns for touchdowns, Kene Nwangwu is set to get more work in the Vikings' backfield with Dalvin Cook out.

DECEMBER 1, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Track or Football Speed: Kene Nwangwu Has Both Minnesota Vikings Latest News

DECEMBER 1, 2021 • VIKINGS.COM

Still-viable Vikings making season harder than it has to be

All of Minnesota's six defeats this year have been decided by one score

NOVEMBER 29, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Another kick return touchdwon 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.

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

NFL Week 12 top plays: Ravens, Bucs, Packers, Patriots win in thrillers

The Ravens, Bucs, 49ers and Packers came out on top in Week 12 thrillers. Here are the top plays!

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Can't-Miss Play: Kene Nwangwu's second kick-return TD of '21 goes 99 YARDS Can't-Miss Play: Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu's second kick-return TD of '21 goes 99 YARDS.

NOVEMBER 29, 2021 • NFL.COM

Kene Nwangwu Exhibits Real Threat on Kickoff Return & Fake Punt Minnesota Vikings Latest News

NOVEMBER 11, 2021 • VIKINGS.COM

Vikings KR Kene Nwangwu Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week Minnesota Vikings Latest News

NOVEMBER 10, 2021 • VIKINGS.COM

Next-Day Stats: Kene Nwangwu's Kick Return is NFL's Longest Play of Week 9 Minnesota Vikings Latest News

NOVEMBER 8, 2021 • VIKINGS.COM

Returns kickoff for TD 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.

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Vikings rookie Kene Nwangwu bursts onto scene with big special teams plays Kene Nwangwu, the fourth-round draft pick, took his second ever NFL kickoff return back for a 98-yard touchdown. He also sparked the Vikings...

NOVEMBER 8, 2021 • STARTRIBUNE.COM

Rookies Kene Nwangwu, Camryn Bynum step up big for Vikings BALTIMORE — Two rookies the Vikings picked up in the fourth round of the draft provided sparks in the team’s 34-31 overtime loss to the Rave...

NOVEMBER 8, 2021 • TWINCITIES.COM

Can't-Miss Play: Kene Nwangwu explodes for 98-yard kickoff return TD Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu explodes for 98-yard kickoff return TD.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021 • NFL.COM

WATCH: Kene Nwangwu returns kickoff 98 yards for first NFL touchdown Watch the long return here.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021 • 247SPORTS.COM

Kene Nwangwu Takes The Second Half Kickoff To The House Rookie RB Kene Nwangwu took the second half kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021 • VIKINGS.COM

Vikings turn to rookie Kene Nwangwu for kickoff returns after Abdullah's release Kene Nwangwu was having a strong training camp when he suffered a knee injury on the preseason's opening kickoff.

OCTOBER 29, 2021 • STARTRIBUNE.COM

Vikings rookie Kene Nwangwu will take over kick return duties The fourth-round draft pick, who was injured in the first preseason game, will make his NFL debut Sunday against the Cowboys.

OCTOBER 28, 2021 • STARTRIBUNE.COM

Vikings' plan is for Kene Nwangwu to take kickoff returns in Week 8 The Vikings’ plan is for rookie Kene Nwangwu to have an important special teams role on Sunday.

OCTOBER 28, 2021 • USATODAY.COM

Activated from IR Nwangwu (knee) was activated from injured reserve Tuesday.

Impact 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.

OCTOBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Returning to practice 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 W...

Impact 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.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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 get his conditioning back. When healthy, Nwangwu will likely compete with Ameer Abdullah for the No. 3 running back job.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE