5 Vikings who won't be on the final 53-man roster in 2023

Player No. 5

Kene Nwangwu - RB/KR

This one could be a stretch, but with the new change to the kickoff rule, Kene Nwangwu could become expendable. The Vikings released Dalvin Cook a few weeks ago, making Alexander Mattison the starter. Nwangwu is the next man up experience-wise, but that doesn't mean he will be when practices start and when the preseason gets rolling.

Speedy Ty Chandler was drafted by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last year, and he has been getting some run with the first and second-team offenses in OTAs. They also drafted DeWayne McBride in the seventh round of this year's draft.

McBride is a tough runner with good vision and underrated speed. He could have a big ascension in training camp to the point he becomes not just the backup but earns a few touches every game as well.

The Vikings also have C.J. Ham on the roster. While he's listed as a fullback, he has proven to be a capable ball carrier when thrust into action because of an emergency.

Nwagnwu does have game-breaking speed but hasn't gotten much of a sniff at running back, and with those other guys on the roster, he doesn't really need to. So his only role would be as a kick returner.

He is a damned good one, but with the rule change, the Vikings could decide to let him go and go with another player at a different position who could also return kicks, like wide receivers Brandon Powell or Thayer Thomas.