The Worst Is Confirmed for Vikings RB
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 after newcomer quarterback Josh Dobbs sparked the team’s offense — and then some — in the 2nd Half.
Along the way, running back Cam Akers was injured during the contest and will miss the season’s remainder.
The Worst Is Confirmed for Vikings RB
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Monday, “An MRI confirmed that Vikings’ RB Cam Akers did in fact tear his Achilles on Sunday and he is out for the season.”
Akers also tore his Achilles in 2021.
The Vikings will pivot toward this running back group and could add another free agent in the coming days:
- Alexander Mattison
- Ty Chandler
- Kene Nwangwu
- DeWayne McBride (PS)
Akers joined Minnesota via trade in September, a complementary piece to the Vikings RB room behind Mattison. With his season over, he tabulated 49 touches for 208 yards from scrimmage. Akers is scheduled to hit free agency in March.
It is unclear if the Vikings will immediately roll with what they have at running back or add another option from the open market. Here’s a small list of experienced veterans if the latter approach is preferred:
- Giovani Bernard
- Rex Burkhead
- Ronald Jones
- J.D. McKissic
- James Robinson
The Vikings employed Myles Gaskin on the practice squad after swinging the Akers trade in September, but the Los Angeles Rams stole Gaskin following Kyren Williams’ injury and IR trip.
The NFL’s trade deadline expired six days ago, so Minnesota must use the current roster for reinforcements or sign a Bernard, Burkhead, Jones, McKissic, or Robinson. Fans have envisioned a larger offensive role for Nwangwu for three seasons, and perhaps that plan could finally materialize.
Minnesota also utilized RBs Abram Smith and Aaron Dykes before final roster trimdowns in August, who could be free-agent options instead of the veterans mentioned above.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said about Akers on Monday, “Cam has been phenomenal in our locker room, on the field, with our team. He’s enjoyed being a part of this.”
Minnesota ranks 29th leaguewide in rushing yards, and with Josh Dobbs or Jaren Hall leading the team at quarterback for the rest of the season, someone among Mattison, Chandler, Nwangwu, McBride, or a free agent to be named later desperately needs to step up without Kirk Cousins in the lineup.
The Vikings offensive line ranks fifth in the NFL per run-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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