Familiar Running Back in Line to Start for Texans vs Minnesota Vikings

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Cam Akers
Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings host the Houston Texans on Sunday. They will look to for a third straight win to open the 2024 regular season. Stefon Diggs’ return to U.S. Bank Stadium will draw the headlines, but a familiar running back is in line to start for the opposition, as well.

This offseason, there was chatter about the Vikings adding another running back, behind Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler. That was followed by reports suggesting Cam Akers was signing with his former team, pending a physical.

Cam Akers in line to start against the Minnesota Vikings

Weeks later, Akers signed with Houston. Now, with backup running back Dameon Pierce already injured and Joe Mixon’s health in doubt, thanks to a hip-drop tackle, Akers in line for a starting role in Minnesota, on Sunday.

The Texans play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 and could be without Mixon and backup Dameon Pierce, who missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury. If they’re without both, expect Cam Akers, who rushed for 32 yards with a fumble in Week 2, to get most of the carries.

ESPN

The NFL has made it a point of emphasis to remove the hip drop tackle. It is the same type of play that injured Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison in Week 1. Joe Mixon was brought in to be the lead back for Houston. Dameon Pierce missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury and Cam Akers was the next man up.

Related: Giants Player Fined for Tackle that Injured Jordan Addison

Akers has started 15 of his 37 career NFL games. In a backup role Sunday he led Houston with 32 rushing yards on seven carries. The former Vikings running back also hauled in his lone target for a three yard reception. Akers would be the second-straight backup running back to start against Minnesota. Christian McCaffrey missed Sunday’s game for the 49ers and has been placed on injured reserve.

The Vikings traded for Akers last season after Alexander Mattison flopped as a starting option. The former Los Angeles Rams running back looked to be a much better back before suffering his season ending injury. Akers finished with 138 yards and a touchdown while adding 12 receptions for Minnesota. Ty Chandler ultimately emerged as the starter to end the season.

Related: PFF Falling in Love with Minnesota Vikings After Week 2

Minnesota can again win as underdogs against the Texans. Houston is coming off an ugly win at home against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings will play in style as the rock the classic throwback uniform as well.

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