The Jets have placed Kene Nwangwu (broken hand) on injured reserve, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, ending the 26-year-old return specialist’s season.
Nwangwu joined New York’s practice squad in September, but had to wait until Week 13 to receive his first game day elevation. He dazzled on special teams in his Jets debut with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown and a forced fumble, earning him a promotion to the 53-man roster. Unfortunately, Nwangwu wasn’t able to capitalize on the opportunity with zero returns in Week 14 before breaking his hand.
The Jets still have 23-year-old wideout Xavier Gipson as their primary return specialist. Rookie running back Isaiah Davis can also handle return duties, so Nwangwu’s injury won’t dramatically alter New York’s plan on special teams.
Nwangwu has struggled to establish himself as a running back in the NFL, only managing 88 rushing yards on 33 attempts from 2021 to 2023 in Minnesota, where he was originally a fourth-round pick. He didn’t stand out as a pass-catcher, either, but emerged as an electric returner with 32.2 yards per return and two kickoff return touchdowns as a rookie. Nwangwu then led the NFL with 35 kickoff returns in 2022, earning second-team All-Pro honors, but his lack of offensive impact ultimately led to his release after the 2023 season.
The NFL’s new dynamic kickoff offered a new opportunity for Nwangwu in 2024. Though it took him 13 weeks to see the field, he made an impact right away. His kickoff return touchdown is one of six in the NFL this year, and it could lead to another chance at return duties in 2025 once he recovers from his broken hand.
That’s rough for him since he finally got the opportunity.