Vikings Bolster Running Back Depth with Familiar Face
In a move that’s sure to send shockwaves through the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings have reacquired running back Cam Akers from the Houston Texans in a trade involving conditional 2026 draft picks. This marks the second time in just 12 months that the Vikings have brought Akers into the fold.
Akers’ Path to Minnesota
Akers started two games for the Texans this season, filling in for the injured Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce. In his time in Houston, he racked up 147 yards and one touchdown on 40 carries. However, with Mixon and Pierce returning to the lineup, Akers became expendable.
Vikings’ Running Back Conundrum
The Vikings’ decision to bring in Akers is largely driven by the uncertain status of starter Aaron Jones, who’s nursing a right hip injury. Ty Chandler has been Jones’ backup, but Akers provides a significant upgrade over current No. 3 running back Myles Gaskin.
A Familiar Face in the Vikings’ Backfield
Akers has a rich history with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, having spent time with the trio during their stint with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and 2021. In fact, the Vikings first acquired Akers from the Rams just two weeks into the 2023 season. During his initial stint with the Vikings, Akers played in six games, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries before suffering a season-ending left Achilles tendon injury in Week 9.
Akers’ Impressive Resilience
Despite tearing his right Achilles tendon while with the Rams in 2021, Akers has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. “I love Cam Akers,” O’Connell said last month. “Cam is a unique, special, and talented person. To deal with the type of adversity he has in his young career and never once have you ever heard him feel sorry for himself. Incredibly tough player, both mentally and physically.”
With Akers back in the fold, the Vikings have bolstered their running back depth and added a familiar face to their backfield. As they prepare to take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Akers’ presence could prove to be a game-changer.
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