The Minnesota Vikings are still adjusting to the loss of Pro Bowler and starting running back Aaron Jones, who is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The Vikings will start Jordan Mason against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they will also have Cam Akers on hand.
Akers is in his third stint with the Vikings.
This time, head coach Kevin O’Connell and Co. hope they only need him for a short period. But they are very familiar with what he can do.
Cam Akers Added to Game-Day Roster for Vikings-Steelers
GettyPJ Jules #37 of the Cincinnati Bengals tackles Cam Akers #31 of the Minnesota Vikings.
“The #Vikings have elevated RB Cam Akers to the active roster for tomorrow’s game,” the team announced with a post on X on September 27.
Akers entered the league as a second-round pick (No. 52 overall) of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2020 draft, and he won a Super Bowl with the organization in 2021. The Vikings acquired Akers in a trade with the Rams in 2023.
He signed with the Houston Texans in free agency in 2024.
The Vikings reacquired him in a trade before the deadline that season. Akers signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason, but they cut him after the preseason.
He signed with the Vikings’ practice squad, with the team announcing the move in conjunction with Jones landing on IR. Jones joined former RB2 Ty Chandler on IR, leaving Akers, Mason, and 2020 undrafted free agent Zavier Scott as their only RBs on the 53-man roster.
Akers, 26, rushed for 19 yards on five carries in the Vikings’ 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, his first week back with the team. He has a 507-2044-13 career line.
He could have an expanded role in Week 4.
Akers has one more elevation after this, so the Vikings must sign him to their 53-man roster if they want to make use of him in Week 5 when they travel to London to face the Cleveland Browns.
Vikings’ Offense Could Get Going vs. Steelers
GettyMinnesota Vikings head Coach Kevin O’Connell looks on before a game against the Tennessee Titans.
Akers and the Vikings enter their matchup against the Steelers as the road team. However, the game is in Dublin, a neutral site, and the Steelers do not boast the typically stout defense they are historically known for.
The Steelers rank 22nd in scoring defense, 26th against the run and the pass, and 28th overall.
Minnesota enters with the sixth-best scoring offense, 13th-ranked rushing attack, and 30th-ranked passing attack. They are 28th in total defense.
The Steelers could be a get-right opportunity for the Vikings, who are starting a backup in Carson Wentz at quarterback, in addition to reshuffling their backfield with Akers behind Mason for Week 4.
Injuries a Major Storyline for Vikings
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before facing the Cincinnati Bengals.
Akers is just another reminder of how banged up the Vikings are. Wentz is filling in for J.J. McCarthy and Mason for Jones. The Vikings will also be without rookie first-round pick and starting left guard Donovan Jackson against the Steelers in a highly anticipated game.
Fortunately for the Vikings, Blake Brandel started every game last season at LG and can step in until Jackson returns.
The injury/absence news is not all bad for the Vikings, either.
They will get center Ryan Kelly back after he missed Week 3 with a concussion. He was not listed on the team’s final injury report of the week. The Vikings will also get wide receiver Jordan Addison back from a three-game suspension.
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