The Minnesota Vikings have gone through a significant amount of roster turnover this offseason. Of course the most notable position is under center, but the running back spot has plenty of new faces as well.
It was apparent pretty early on that Alexander Mattison wasn’t the answer for the Vikings last season. Kevin O’Connell eventually gave more carries to Cam Akers and Ty Chandler, and the offense got noticeably better.
Acquired from the Los Angeles Rams, Akers was a known commodity to the Vikings head coach, who coached him in LA. Akers ran for a just 167 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2023. He started week one for the Rams, where he received 22 carries… but ran for just 29 yards (and 1 TD).
Cam Akers back in the fold for Minnesota Vikings… officially?
Cam made his debut in purple during week 4. The now 25-year-old running back totaled 138 yards and 1 TD after the trade. Unfortunately in week 9, Akers suffered an achilles tear for the second time in his career, and his season ended because of it.
Now a free agent, a report surfaced recently via Charley Walters (Pioneer Press) suggesting Cam was going to return to Minnesota, pending a physical. But that was weeks ago. Since, chatter regarding a possible reunion has quieted.
Or has it? Well, ESPN’s official Minnesota Vikings transaction log says the deal has been done since July 2. Akers will still need to pass a physical, but that is customary practice for any new contract. I mean, they don’t fill these logs with rumors.
How has no reporter (other than an local insider rumors and notes columnist two weeks ago) tweeted, written or reported on this? No matter, it looks like we can officially count Cam Akers as the third running back on this Minnesota Vikings offense next season…
Where does Cam Akers fit in the Minnesota Vikings running back room?
Mattison has since signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Vikings have brought in Aaron Jones. The former Green Bay Packers rusher is a significant upgrade for Kevin O’Connell, and could be the best back he has coached.
There is no reason to believe that Jones will be anything less than the bellcow for Minnesota. Ty Chandler also stepped up following Akers’ injury last year. He will continue to have a place in the offense.
A decision to bring Akers back is straightforward. He performed well and was great when called upon. Initially acquired as necessary depth, he will presumably slide back into that role for 2024 as well.
Akers is going to be brought along slowly as he distances himself from the latest injury. Minnesota isn’t allowing themselves to go into the year with questionable depth again, however, and that’s a good thing.
