Vikings rookie Kene Nwangwu will take over kick return duties

Vikings rookie running back Kene Nwangwu (26) during training camp.Vikings fourth-round draft pick Kene Nwangwu will return kickoffs in his NFL debut Sunday night, special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken said Thursday.

Nwangwu replaces Ameer Abdullah, who was averaging 23.1 yards on seven returns before being released and signing with Carolina. Ihmir Smith-Marsette is averaging 20.8 yards on four returns but has been battling a toe injury.

Nwangwu was having a strong training camp when he suffered a knee injury on the preseason's opening kickoff.

Asked what he likes about Nwangwu, Ficken said: "Obviously his speed, how electric he is with that. But the way he handles himself in pressure…