EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have designated running back Kene Nwangwu and wide receiver Dan Chisena to return to practice.

Both players will participate in Wednesday's session in some capacity, but that doesn't mean they will play right away.

Nwangwu and Chisena were both placed on Injured Reserve before the season started, meaning they had to miss at least the first thrssee games of the 2021 season.

Nwangwu injured his knee in the preseason opener on Aug. 14. Chisena got dinged up in practice on Aug. 24 when he landed awkwardly after making a leaping catch.

Both players could potentially help out on special teams, where the Vikings are much-improved from a season ago under first-year Special Teams Coordinator Ryan Ficken.

Analytics website Pro Football Focus currently has Minnesota as the No. 2 special teams unit in the league with an overall grade of 87.4. New Orleans is first at 92.9.

Tight end Irv Smith, Jr., remains on Injured Reserve after he suffered a meniscus injury in Minnesota's preseason finale in Kansas City.