The Vikings Are Going to Cut an RB … Again
When the Minnesota Vikings can, it sounds like Cam Akers will be brought back to assume a role in the running back room. That group has been enhanced substantially for the 2024 season, but adding another likely means moving on from Myles Gaskin yet again.
The Vikings Are Going to Cut an RB … Again
A season ago, Alexander Mattison was expected to carry the load as the starter, taking over for Dalvin Cook. Unfortunately, he was nowhere near as good at operating as a lead back as he was when rotating in. Kevin O’Connell was left scouring his team for answers, and it was ultimately former Los Angeles Rams rusher Cam Akers who set the tone. He looked like the best option until he went down with an Achilles injury.
Reports have suggested that the Vikings will bring Cam Akers back as soon as he is healthy. If he can produce at even close to a similar level, that would be a great offensive addition. With Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler already locked in for roles, it probably means that Myles Gaskin is again the odd man out.
The former Washington Husky is undoubtedly familiar with defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Having worked with him as a head coach in Miami, Gaskin was routinely a starter during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Unfortunately, he has never been able to replicate his performance during his first year as a featured back, and this has left him looking for opportunities since.
Posting a 4.1 yards per carry tally in 2020, the average dropped to 3.7 a year later and was just 2.6 with sporadic playing time during 2022. Gaskin was active for just three games last season, two of which came with Minnesota. Sent packing, he actually went to the Rams and took over a roster spot that once belonged to Akers.
It remains to be seen what sort of opportunity will present itself this year for the veteran, but it would be hard to believe one will be available for Minnesota. With Kene Nwangwu and DeWayne McBride as additional options, Gaskin becomes redundant once Akers is ready to roll.
It’s unfortunate to see a once-productive veteran bounce around, but maybe a more needy team will find a spot for him to operate.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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