Kene

Nwangwu

Nwangwu was with the Jets for the entire season, but hardly ever saw the field on offense until Week 18 when the team was without its top three running backs. He’s a good kick returner, albeit one who struggled with injuries this season. Nwangwu carried the ball 13 times for 49 yards and will enter free agency in 2026 as a veteran kick returner option.

When asked if Hall will play, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said, “we’ll see.” Glenn has played coy with most start-sit decisions in the Jets’ 3-13 season. No reason to stop now. Hall logged just two limited sessions to close the week. He is scheduled to enter free agency at the end of the season. Preserving his health for free agency could be the smart move. He may wish to put his stamp on the season with a strong showing, though. It would be difficult to project his playing time if he is active. Treat him as a volatile RB2 if he suits up. His backup, RB Isaiah Davis (concussion), has been ruled out, leaving Kene Nwangwu (quad) and Khalil Herbert behind Hall.

Hall told reporters that his knee was fine post-game. Hopefully, this is just a maintenance day, but his practice participation is worth following. His backup, RB Isaiah Davis (concussion), was also sidelined on Wednesday. The Jets list RBs Kene Nwangwu (quad) and Khalil Herbert in the Nos. 3 and 4 spots, respectively. Nwangwu is practicing fully.

Davis suffered the brain injury on a kickoff at the top of the fourth quarter. He was initially listed as questionable to return. The team later ruled him out. Kene Nwangwu took his spot in the lineup. Breece Hall suffered a knee injury late in the contest as well. Nwangwu could draw the start if Davis and Hall can’t go.

Backup nickel Isaiah Oliver will presumably take over in Carter’s absence. Carter, who was a DNP all week, was unable to clear concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s Week 5 matchup and will now eye a Week 6 game against the Broncos for his targeted return date. While Carter is sidelined this weekend, Glenn said RB/KR Kene Nwangwu (hamstring) could be a game-time decision.

Johnson suffered an ankle injury in Week 2’s loss to the Bills and was a DNP all week. His absence shouldn’t come as a surprise, given his inactivity on Wednesday and Thursday. Now, the fourth-year pass rusher will hope to return in Week 4 for a Monday night matchup against the Dolphins. In addition to Johnson, the Jets also ruled out Josh Reynolds (hamstring), Kene Nwangwu (hamstring), and Jay Tufele (illness) for Week 3.

We wouldn’t be surprised if Nwangwu sat out the rest of the day with the injury. He’d been returning kicks for the Jets and wasn’t a factor in the offense.

Nwangwu had a brutal 2024 season, taking home AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in his lone active showing. At 27 years old, the speedy returner should have a fruitful special teams season, pending good health.

It’s been a bittersweet season for Nwangwu, who was only activated from the practice squad in Week 13. He promptly earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 13, returning three kickoffs for 157 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown came via a 99-yard return and he finished with four total missed tackles forced on the day. The 26-year-old is scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the season.

Nwangwu will revert back to waivers with his failed physical designation, giving other teams a chance to claim him if they so desire. The Saints claimed the RB/KR off waivers after he was let go by the Vikings earlier in the week, in hopes that he may eventually contribute in their return game. He’ll likely catch on with another team in the coming days.