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Shocking Twist: Star NFL Returner Fails Physical, Saints Lose Key Player

Kene Nwangwu's tenure in New Orleans won't happen after a failed physical.

John Hendrix

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu (26) returns a kickoff against the Detroit Lions during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu (26) returns a kickoff against the Detroit Lions during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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The Saints won't be getting running back and All-Pro returner Kene Nwangwu after all. Head coach Dennis Allen revealed on Thursday afternoon that the team waived him with a failed physical designation.

New Orleans put in a waiver claim on him Wednesday, and things looked to get pretty interesting for the return game. There was some familiarity with the player given some ties with Nwangwu's time in Minnesota, but it's not happening any time soon it would appear.

The Saints used Rashid Shaheed, Taysom Hill, Jordan Mims, Alontae Taylor and Mason Tipton in the return game during training camp, so we'll see what combination they roll out when Week 1 comes around.

Jordan Mims was reportedly not seen at practice, but there's no need to worry. He's still on the roster.

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John Hendrix

JOHN HENDRIX

I officially started covering the New Orleans Saints & other NFL topics in 2011. My work has been featured on various outlets over the years. I worked closely with Skyhorse Publishing in Fall 2018 to update the book, Tales From the New Orleans Saints Sidelines, which filled in all Saints material from the 2013-2017 seasons. Prior to joining Saints News Network, I served as the Managing Editor of SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles for 3.5 years, and before that with FanSided's Who Dat Dish as the Managing Editor for several years. I have also had experiences of being a freelance Saints reporter for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, MS and a contributing writer for WDSU, a local NBC TV station in New Orleans. I have appeared on a vast amount of TV and Radio shows, both nationally and locally. For tips, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at johnhendrix@saintsnews.net

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