The Minnesota Vikings have reacquired running back Cam Akers, this time through a trade with the Houston Texans. The deal includes a swap of conditional draft picks in 2026, with the Vikings sending a sixth-round pick to the Texans and receiving a seventh-round pick in return. This is the second time in a year the Vikings have added Akers to their roster.
Akers played two games for the Texans this season, filling in for injured running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce. In Week 3, he faced the Vikings, rushing nine times for 21 yards. In total, Akers recorded 147 yards and one touchdown on 40 carries while with Houston. With Mixon and Pierce now healthy, Akers became expendable, leading to the trade.
For the Vikings, Akers’ arrival is timely as starting running back Aaron Jones is dealing with a right hip injury, casting doubt on his availability. While Ty Chandler has been filling in, Akers adds valuable depth and experience, particularly compared to third-string back Myles Gaskin. His addition could prove crucial for the Vikings’ upcoming game against the Detroit Lions.
Cam Akers
Akers’ familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, from their time together with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and 2021, likely influenced the trade. The Vikings previously acquired Akers in 2023, but his season ended early due to an Achilles tear in Week 9, his second Achilles injury, having torn his right Achilles in 2021 with the Rams.
Despite his injury history, Akers has earned high praise from O’Connell for his toughness. The Vikings attempted to re-sign him before the 2024 season, but he chose to join the Texans. Now back with Minnesota, Akers brings both experience and resilience, strengthening the team’s running back depth amid injury concerns.
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