The Minnesota Vikings were determined to improve their roster this week, after falling to 0-2 on the season. First, they signed offensive guard, Dalton Risner. Then, on Wednesday evening, the Vikings sent a conditional 2026 6th round pick to the Los Angeles Rams, in exchange for running back, Cam Akers, and a conditional 2026 7th round pick.
Cam Akers Trade Official after Passing Physical
On Thursday afternoon, the deal was officially consummated, after Akers flew into Minneapolis and passed a physical at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. To make room on the 53-man roster, the Vikings sent Jalen Nailor to injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
RB Cam Akers has passed his physical to complete the trade with the Rams.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 21, 2023
WR Jalen Nailor has been placed on IR. pic.twitter.com/JIgmc7hpki
Minnesota Vikings determined to get better after 0-2 start
Credit to our friend, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, who checked on the possibility that the Vikings might be interested in Akers, earlier in the week. When he didn’t hear anything back from his contacts at TCO Performance Center, his antennas were immediately up.
Related: Danielle Hunter’s Hot Start Means Everything for Vikings Defense, His Pocketbook
The Minnesota Vikings hope that Cam Akers can slide in next to Alexander Mattison and split RB1 carries eventually. His familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator, Wes Phillips should only help him in learning the offense.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah needed to beef up the Vikings rushing attack, after gaining just 63 yards on the ground in two games, dead last in the NFL. Akers and Risner may not be able to help in significant fashion vs the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend, but looking ahead, both position groups improved in a big way this week.
Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan