Cam Akers is headed to Minnesota.
The Viking acquired the running back from the Texans on Tuesday in exchange for a conditional sixth- and seventh-round pick in 2026.
The move comes as the Vikings’ starting ball-carrier Aaron Jones deals with a hip injury.
Cam Akers runs with the ball during the first quarter of the Texans’ preseason win over the Rams. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportsJones left Minnesota’s Week 5 win over the Jets and was described by head coach Kevin O’Connell as “week-to-week” during the team’s bye week.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Akers addition “isn’t a reflection of any long-term concerns” with Jones and that the veteran starter could play Sunday against the Lions.
Ty Chandler struggled as the primary running back in Jones’ place after he left the game against the Jets, running for just 30 yards on 14 carries.
Akers, 25, has enjoyed some success in O’Connell’s offensive scheme in the past.
He played under him when O’Connell was the offensive coordinator with the Rams in 2020 and 2021, and then again last season when the Vikings acquired Akers in another midseason trade.
Aaron Jones runs up field during the fourth quarter during the Vikings’ 31-29 win over the Packers earlier in the season. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images“I love Cam Akers,” O’Connell said before Minnesota’s 34-7 win over Houston in Week 3. “I got a chance to be around him from his first day being an NFL player [with the Rams], coming off an unbelievable career at Florida State. Cam is a unique, special and talented person. To deal with the type of adversity he has in his young career, never once have you ever heard him feel sorry for himself. Incredibly tough player, both mentally and physically.”
After signing a one-year deal with the Texans over the offseason, Akers has appeared in five games for Houston this season, running for 147 yards on 40 carries with a touchdown.
He started two games in place of the injured Joe Mixon, rushing for 95 yards in both of those games combined.
In five NFL seasons, Akers has run for 1,728 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Vikings are looking to stay undefeated when they take on divisional rival Lions in Minnesota on Sunday.
Minnesota is one of two undefeated teams along with the Chiefs, upsetting the 49ers, Texans and Packers en route to their perfect record thus far.
