Vikings Signing Very Familiar Running Back

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Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

If there has been one constant through the first two games of the 2025 Minnesota Vikings, it has been injuries. After being bludgeoned by health issues in week one, this week’s injury list only made matters worse. Plus, it featured a surprise headliner, in redshirt rookie QB, JJ McCarthy.

But sprained ankle of their former 1st round pick is far from this team’s biggest injury issue. Look at running back, for example. With Ty Chandler already sidelined from an injury in week one, Aaron Jones has been (mostly) ruled out for Sunday’s contest vs the Bengals, with a hamstring strain he suffered in week two vs the Falcons.

The loss of Jones, who has a long history of injury issues, meant that the Vikings only have two healthy running backs on the active roster, in Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott. Thus, it was no surprise Tuesday when a familiar news item hit the internet. Cam Akers is signing with the Minnesota Vikings.

Cam Akers back to the MN Vikings yet again

While the news might look old, it broke in a rather unconventional way. He was spotted by a Vikings fan who works at the airport (Adam) and happens to have an anonymous Twitter account (@vikingsman_28).

Adam shared a selfie with Akers at the airport. Akers told him, “you’re about to break the news.” And once the new/old MN Vikings running back gave him the go-ahead, @vikingsman_28 did just that. The signing was later verified by KSTP (Ch. 5).

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Working at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport very clearly has Adam bumping into all sorts of people. His pinned post is a picture with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He also helped unload the Patriots’ planes this summer, when they were in town for joint practices.

How does Akers fit for the Minnesota Vikings?

It’s pretty easy to plug-in a player you have employed each of the past two seasons back into the same system. Akers was originally acquired from the Rams before he tore his achilles. Last year he came over from Houston after the Vikings had previously beaten his team.

In 12 games with Minnesota last season, Akers operated as a change-of-pace back behind Aaron Jones. He rushed for 297 yards and a touchdown on 64 carries. He also caught 10-of-11 passes for 52 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

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Jordan Mason had already seemingly overtaken Jones for the lead back role. Now Mason will continue in that capacity, but be spelled by Akers. The two have different skillsets and that should allow them to work well together.

We’ll see how quickly Akers is utilized, or in what capacity, this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. Carson Wentz will be under center, and it’s a game the Vikings need to win while they work back to a cleaner bill of health.

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