Cam Akers Seemed Inevitable.

The Minnesota Vikings reportedly signed Cam Akers this offseason — until they didn't. He wound up taking a deal with the Houston Texans instead, which allowed him to be the featured back while Joe Mixon was out. Having already been on the losing sideline against Minnesota this year, he now rejoins his former team .

Cam Akers Seemed Inevitable.

Last year, the Minnesota Vikings went into the season with Alexander Mattison tabbed as their starting running back. Despite having proven to be a quality option behind Dalvin Cook, he looked awful in a lead-back role. Kevin O'Connell was given Cam Akers, a player he had worked with in Los Angeles, and fortunes turned.

Until Akers suffered his Achilles injury, the Minnesota Vikings had a clear idea of their top running back. He spent the rest of the season working his way back from surgery and was all systems go to start 2024. Joe Mixon was always going to lead the Houston Texans' room, but his brief injury gave Akers a chance to showcase his abilities again.

With Mixon returning and Minnesota losing Aaron Jones last week against the New York Jets, a reunion made too much sense. Houston has a one-two punch in the form of Mixon and Dameon Pierce. The Vikings liked what they saw in Ty Chandler down the stretch last season, but he had an awful showing replacing Jones in London.

Knowing just how important running back depth is, Minnesota made a move to add to its corps. Myles Gaskin has been promoted from the practice squad multiple times and even added to the roster, but he is clearly a rung or two below Akers. Chandler sometimes flashes strong abilities, but O'Connell may prefer something more trusted.

Regardless of when Jones returns to the lineup, Akers is now back as a player who can supplement and keep him fresh. This probably won't be the last injury issue that Jones deals with during the season, and having another starting-caliber veteran in the form of Akers makes a significant amount of sense.

Minnesota still hopes that Jones can play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Whether he does or not, Chandler should be worried about his snap total seeing something of a hit.