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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans have pulled off a huge trade, as former Super Bowl champion running back Cam Akers is officially returning.
More news: Bills Acquire WR Amari Cooper in Shocking Blockbuster Trade With Browns
The Texans are trading Akers to the Vikings for a conditional sixth-round pick. The Vikings will get Akers and a conditional seventh-round pick.
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Akers returns to the Vikings after spending this season with the Houston Texans. Akers played with Minnesota in 2023 and now returns to help bolster the rush attack for the team.
While playing for the Vikings in 2023, Akers secured 138 yards and one touchdown through six games. Despite the Vikings already having star running back Aaron Jones, Jones has been dealing with a hip injury that he received in London when Minnesota took on the New York Jets.
So far through five games, Jones has secured 350 yards and one touchdown. Senior NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero indicated that Jones is set to return this Sunday, and Akers being acquired by the team is to have some veteran depth.
Akers now reunites with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, who was the Rams offensive coordinator in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Akers joins a running back room that also includes Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin.
Akers was originally drafted by the Rams No. 52 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Florida State. Akers rushed for 625 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season.
Though there was excitement for Akers' return in 2021, he would tear his Achilles in July of that year, resulting in him missing the entire season. However, he was one of the first players to receive SpeedBridge surgery, shortening his 12-month absence to five months.
Akers returned in Dec. 2021, where he appeared in the Super Bowl with the Rams. He secured 13 carries for 21 rushing yards and three receptions for 14 receiving yards, which helped the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals.
Akers now joins one of the best teams in the NFL, as the Vikings are currently 5-0 on the season. Minnesota is set to take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday, and Akers will now be a welcomed addition to help in case Jones is not ready to go.
The Athletic's Vikings beat writer Alec Lewis indicated that the Vikings organization is a big fan of Akers and O'Connell stated just a few weeks ago, "Cam is such a unique person, special person, and talent."
With Akers back in the lineup, the Vikings now have a strong and viable backup should Jones suffer any sort of additional injury.
For more on the Vikings, head to Newsweek Sports.
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