After working out for the Houston Texans earlier in the day, former Vikings running back Cam Akers signed with the team on Sunday evening. The 25-year-old Akers joins a loaded Texans offense and a running back group that already includes Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce. He is entering his fifth NFL season. He will likely serve as the third running back for one of the AFC’s leading contenders if he recovers from his Achilles injury in November. A few weeks ago, a report said that if Akers passed a physical, the Vikings would sign him back. That did not occur, indicating that either the physical failed or the report was incorrect. Akers appeared to be moving well on his first day in Houston, having previously recovered from an Achilles injury in just six months in 2021.
Akers not getting back to Minnesota implies the Vikings’ RB3 spot is completely open as instructional course starts off this week. Backs Myles Gaskin, Kene Nwangwu, and DeWayne McBride round out the roster, but Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler stand out as the clear leaders at that position. Gaskin has the most experience out of those three because he was one of the Dolphins’ primary running backs in 2020 and ’21, but he didn’t get any carries last season. In his three seasons with the Vikings, kick returner Nwangwu has accumulated 33 offensive touches. McBride, who was selected in the seventh round of the previous year, spent his first season on the practice squad.
As the Vikings’ third running back, Akers would have been a good fit, but Gaskin, Nwangwu, and McBride might be enough. Naturally, Minnesota will be hoping that Jones, who is 29 years old, can remain healthy throughout the entire season as their starter. As part of that strategy, Chandler is likely to play a significant role. The Vikings could always sign a veteran RB off the street or make a trade for one if they are dissatisfied with their positional depth at training camp.
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