Vikings Reinstate Cam Akers Amid Aaron Jones Injury Woes
The Minnesota Vikings are reuniting with veteran running back Cam Akers, who is set to join the team for a third time. This decision comes at a crucial moment as concerns grow over Aaron Jones’s hamstring injury. Following Jones’s setback, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that the star running back is not expected to play in Week 3.
Akers’ Journey Back to Minnesota
According to reports from The Minnesota Star Tribune, Akers will be signed to the Vikings’ practice squad. His previous stint with Minnesota saw him appear in six games during the 2023 season and 12 games the following year. In that time, he accumulated 64 carries for 297 yards and scored three touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility with 10 receptions for 52 yards.
Originally a second-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, Akers had a promising start to his career. However, a series of unfortunate injuries, including two Achilles tears—one in 2021 and another in 2023—have hindered his progression. Despite these setbacks, Akers’ experience could prove invaluable to the Vikings as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Stepping Up in Jones’ Absence
With Jones sidelined, Jordan Mason is anticipated to emerge as the primary running back for the Vikings. Mason’s performance in the early weeks of the season has shown that he can handle the lead role effectively. The Vikings face additional challenges in their backfield after Ty Chandler was placed on injured reserve, further straining their depth.
As Akers transitions back into the fold, he is positioned to take on the RB2 role for his first game back with the team. The Vikings also have Zavier Scott on the active roster and Xazavian Valladay on the practice squad, providing some additional options as they prepare for the upcoming matchup.
Looking Ahead
As the Vikings gear up for the next challenge, the return of Akers adds a layer of depth and familiarity to the backfield. The team’s ability to adapt in the face of injuries will be critical as they seek to maintain momentum in the season. With Akers back in the mix, the Vikings are hoping to harness his skill set and experience to navigate the difficulties posed by Jones’s injury.
