Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings will hold their training camp in the upcoming weeks, which can be viewed as the unofficial kickoff to the 2024 season. Coming off a 7-10 season, the organization made many changes, although some were not quite voluntary. The changes at the running back position, however, were necessary and logical after an underwhelming rushing season.
There’s a Strange Cam Akers Development
Alexander Mattison was released after his first season as a starter, and longtime Packers running back Aaron Jones was signed. Green Bay replaced him by acquiring 2022 rushing leader Josh Jacobs.
Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) lowers his head as he is tackled by Carolina Panthers safety Sam Franklin Jr. (42) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Because Minnesota’s depth behind Jones only consists of Ty Chandler and practice squad players Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride, as well as kick returner Kene Nwangwu, the front office contemplated re-signing Cam Akers, who spent the majority of the 2023 season with the Vikings.
Charley Walters from the Pioneer Press reported on June 30 that the Vikes want to re-sign the runner pending a physical: “If running back Cam Akers, recovering from Achilles surgery last November, passes an upcoming physical, look for the free agent to re-sign with the Vikings.”
Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) looks to elude Carolina Panthers cornerback D’Shawn Jamison (29) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Three weeks later, Akers still hasn’t resurfaced on Minnesota’s roster. Instead, he had a workout with the Houston Texans, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson: “The Texans worked out veteran running back Cam Akers on Sunday, according to a league source. Akers, a former Los Angeles Rams second-round draft pick, has also drawn interest from the Minnesota Vikings where he played last season after a trade and suffering another torn Achilles.”
It is normal for free agents to schedule workouts with franchises while hoping to find a roster spot for the upcoming season. One thing is clear, however: if Akers was close to signing with the Vikings, he wouldn’t be in Houston.
So either the running back failed his physical, or he is considering other options because he didn’t like the contract offered to him. Either way, the Vikings could certainly use another depth option, considering that neither McBride nor Gaskin earned snaps last season despite the horrendous rushing offense.
Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (23) celebrates with Melissa Whitworth, wife of teammate offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (77), after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Akers became a Viking two weeks into the 2023 season. He already had a history with Kevin O’Connell, who was his offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams. His former head coach, Sean McVay, wanted to move on from the former second-rounder.
In six games with the Vikings, Akers rushed for 138 yards and one touchdown while also collecting 70 receiving yards. His role started to expand after a slow first couple of games. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 9. It was already his second torn Achilles, one on either side. That is obviously the reason why Minnesota wanted him to pass a physical first, and it remains to be seen if he can still be his once-explosive self.
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) catches a pass in the second half as Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) closes in to defend at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
He has not signed with the Texans yet, so there’s still a chance for him to return to the Twin Cities. Regardless, if he doesn’t, there’s a good chance the Vikings will add another depth running back in the next few weeks.
The Texans already have four ex-Vikings under contract: Danielle Hunter, Case Keenum, Stefon Diggs, and Kris Boyd.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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Publish date : 2024-07-21 14:40:19
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