The Jets have signed RB/KR Kene Nwangwu to the active roster.
Nwangwu is out of practice squad elevations, but he earned himself a spot on the roster after shining on special teams with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a forced fumble during Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks.
“What an amazing story,” interim HC Jeff Ulbrich said postgame. “Kene was a guy for weeks now who we’ve been spotlighting and showing the team his process and how hard he’s works. He earned the right to play and all that hard work came to fruition. The kick return was an amazing moment, not just for him but for the whole team because we’re all invested in him.”
Prior to this year, Nwangwu had four kickoff returns for a touchdown and an All-Pro nomination during his first three pro seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
In a corresponding roster move, the Jets released former fifth-round RB Israel Abanikanda.
The Brooklyn-native was never quite able to carve out a role for himself in a crowded Gang Green backfield, appearing in just six games while logging 22 carries over his first two pro seasons.
Abanikanda could land back on New York’s practice squad in Nwangwu’s place if he clears waivers.
