The Minnesota Vikings sent shockwaves through their fanbase on Tuesday with a move that few saw coming. In a surprising twist, the organization announced the return of running back Cam Akers to the team for an unprecedented third stint, this time signing him to the practice squad, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The news comes on the heels of a significant blow to the Vikings’ backfield, with starting tailback Aaron Jones placed on short-term injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four weeks.
The Vikings’ rushing attack now faces a critical juncture. With Jones out, the team’s ground game rests heavily on the shoulders of Jordan Mason, who has already emerged as the de facto lead back in the first two games of the 2025 season. Mason has carried the ball 25 times compared to Jones’ 15, showcasing his role as the unofficial RB1A to Jones’ RB1B. However, no other Vikings running back has recorded a single carry this season, highlighting a glaring lack of depth in the backfield.
The absence of Jones, a dynamic and reliable runner, places immense pressure on Mason to carry the load as the team’s semi bell-cow back. While Mason has proven capable, the Vikings’ front office clearly recognized the need for reinforcements, leading to the unexpected reunion with Akers.
Cam Akers is no stranger to the Vikings’ organization. The former Los Angeles Rams running back first joined Minnesota in 2023 via a trade after losing his starting role to Kyren Williams, who later signed a three-year, $33 million extension with the Rams. Akers’ initial stint with the Vikings was brief but impactful, showcasing his ability as a strong auxiliary back. After a short tenure with the Houston Texans in the following offseason, Akers was traded back to Minnesota for a second time, further cementing his connection with the franchise.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1968051133412413893
This past offseason, head coach Kevin O’Connell opted to bolster the backfield with Mason and Ty Chandler as the primary backups to Jones, leaving Akers to sign with the New Orleans Saints in June. Unfortunately, Akers was unable to secure a spot on the Saints’ final roster and was cut in late August. Now, the former Florida State standout and Super Bowl champion is back with the Vikings, offering a familiar and experienced option to a backfield in need of stability.
Akers’ best statistical season came in 2022 with the Rams, when he racked up 786 yards and nine touchdowns, building on his breakout rookie campaign in 2020. However, his career trajectory took a hit after a devastating Achilles tear sidelined him for nearly the entire 2021 regular season. While he returned for the playoffs that year, his performance was underwhelming, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry over 67 attempts.
Despite these challenges, Akers has shown resilience and versatility, qualities that could prove invaluable for the Vikings. His familiarity with the organization and prior positive experiences under O’Connell’s system give him an edge as he vies for a role in the backfield. While he is not guaranteed the RB2 spot behind Mason—former Colt Zavier Scott is also in the mix—Akers’ extensive NFL experience makes him a strong candidate for early playing time.
With Jones sidelined, Mason is poised to take on the lion’s share of carries as Minnesota’s official RB1. The dynamic he shared with Jones, which saw them split touches roughly 60-40, will likely shift to a more workhorse role for Mason. Akers’ addition, however, provides much-needed depth and insurance. If elevated from the practice squad to the active roster, potentially as early as this Sunday for Week 3, Akers could see immediate action as a complementary back.
While Akers may not reclaim the lead role he once held with the Rams, his ability to handle a supporting role could stabilize the Vikings’ rushing attack. His experience in high-stakes situations, including a Super Bowl run, adds a layer of reliability that the team desperately needs during this transitional period.
The decision to bring Akers back for a third tour has left Vikings fans in disbelief, with reactions ranging from cautious optimism to outright excitement. Social media platforms like X have been buzzing with discussions about the move, with many praising the front office for its bold approach to addressing the team’s immediate needs. Akers’ return is seen as a low-risk, high-reward move, given his familiarity with the system and proven track record when healthy.
As the Vikings prepare for their Week 3 matchup, all eyes will be on how Akers integrates into the backfield and whether he can recapture the form that made him a standout early in his career. For now, Minnesota’s front office has made a clear statement: they’re not content to rely solely on Mason and are willing to take a chance on a familiar hero to keep their playoff hopes alive.