The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for next season with a mix of new and returning players. Notably, free agent running back Cam Akers, who played for the Vikings last season after a trade from the Los Angeles Rams, is eager to re-sign with the team. Akers is currently rehabilitating from a torn Achilles he suffered in Week 9 of last season, and he’s been seen working out at the Vikings’ facilities.
Darren Wolfson, during a segment on “Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd,” noted Akers’ presence in town, suggesting that Akers’ continued stay is indicative of his desire to rejoin the Vikings. Wolfson highlighted that despite the team’s confidence in other running backs like Ty Chandler and Aaron Jones, Akers is hopeful for a new contract. Currently, there hasn’t been any movement, but Akers is rehabbing nearby in hopes of staying with the Vikings.
Akers was originally drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He ended the 2023 season with the Vikings, rushing for 138 yards and scoring one touchdown on 38 attempts. Akers, who won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021, had his best season in 2020, rushing for 786 yards and seven touchdowns on 188 carries. However, his career has been marred by injuries.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 217 pounds, Akers has only managed to play double-digit games twice, once as a rookie in 2020 and again in 2022. A significant Achilles injury before the 2021 season almost derailed his Super Bowl run with the Rams, but he made a speedy recovery to contribute in the playoffs.
Even if Akers fully recovers, his injury history makes him a risky choice for a heavy workload. Fortunately, the Vikings have Chandler and Jones to shoulder most of the rushing responsibilities. Fullback C.J. Ham can also handle short-yardage situations, meaning Akers would primarily serve as a change-of-pace option. He has shown some receiving ability, with 38 catches for 132 yards and one touchdown in his career.
The Vikings, who ranked 29th in rushing yards last season, need to rejuvenate their running game. They have historically excelled in rushing but struggled recently. With Akers potentially in a supporting role alongside other backs like Chandler, Jones, DeWayne McBride, Kene Nwangwu, and Myles Gaskin, the Vikings aim to improve their ground game while adapting to a new quarterback setup.
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