Former Vikings draft pick already cut by Saints for unexpected reason

One of the surprises from the Minnesota Vikings roster cuts this year was the waiving of running back Kene Nwangwu. A return specialist who didn't get many opportunities on offense, the young rusher quickly landed with the New Orleans Saints.

While many Vikings fans were left scratching their head by the transaction, the former fourth-round draft pick is only 26 years old and could find a situation where he could thrive with another organization.

Former Vikings draft pick already cut by Saints for unexpected reason

Sadly, Nwangwu's time with the Saints was over before it got started. ESPN's Katherine Terrell shared on X that that the former Minnesota running back has been released with a failed physical designation.

Kene Nwangwu was the Vikings' kick return specialist prior to his release. The former Iowa State product handled 68 kickoffs during his three seasons in Minnesota, resulting in three touchdowns and one All-Pro Second Team nod.

News of Nwangwu failing his physical is surprising since the Vikings likely would have waived him with an injury designation if that had been a contributing factor in his release. The fact he did not pass his physical with New Orleans raises a lot of questions.

Once healthy, Nwangwu will likely get another opportunity in the NFL. His skills as a return man could be valuable to a team and he could find a way to be more productive as a running back to increase his value.

Now, he will be subject to waivers again. If he is claimed again, he will need to pass a physical for his new team. However, with this failed test, odds are that NFL franchises will likely pass on the speedster and opt for a time when he is healthy to give him an opportunity.

This might be a setback for Kene Nwangwu, but he is young enough to still have a bright future in the NFL. With only three seasons under his belt, the door is definitely not closed on him finding a new team when he is healthy enough to return to action.

Still, it is a bit puzzling that Nwangwu was waived by the Minnesota Vikings without an injury designation yet failed his physical with the New Orleans Saints. Hopefully more details surrounding this situation will come to light soon to explain what exactly is happening with the young running back.

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