Minnesota’s 2021 draft class has not seen a lot of the field this season.
Vikings first-round pick Christian Darrisaw earned his first career start on Sunday after dealing with a groin injury this year. WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette has been good on special teams. But other than a handful of players, no rookies have made a huge impact yet.
That could change soon. Minnesota activated RB Kene Nwangwu, a fourth-round pick out of Iowa State, off IR this week. Nwangwu enticed Vikings fans with his breakaway speed in training camp. He should have a role on special teams. He also adds something as a receiving threat at running back.
The Vikings released RB Ameer Abdullah, making room for Nwangwu on the active roster. Abdullah and Nwangwu are similar players stylistically, so this move makes sense. Abdullah can offer something to a different NFL team still — as a reserve running back or a return man.
