KOC Clarifies Why Vikings Traded for Cam Akers

The Minnesota Vikings have had the best running game of Kevin O’Connell’s tenure so far this season. That could be in jeopardy if Aaron Jones misses a substantial amount of time. Cam Akers rejoins the team and the head coach explained the move.

Kevin O’Connell speaks on Minnesota Vikings running backs

There is no reason why speculation shouldn’t run rampant after the Minnesota Vikings made a deal to acquire Cam Akers. He nearly signed this offseason, but opted for a deal with the Texans. Now returning to his 2023 roster, it generates additional questions about the status of Aaron Jones. Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed those on Wednesday.

Running Back room looking good 😎 pic.twitter.com/7RXPgZtvxQ

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 16, 2024

“Cam has looked really good. Whether it was the early reps in preseason with the Texans or, you know, scoring against us when we played. Cam has been somebody that we didn’t necessarily want to let go to somebody else last offseason. Good football players, that tends to happen. Want to credit Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah] and his guys for getting a deal done to get Cam back here. Really is a depth move. Has no bearing on our current running back situation here. It’s going to progress throughout the week and hopefully has a chance to go on Sunday [Aaron Jones]. Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin all, and Cam, will work behind. I like where Ty is at. Obviously Aaron Jones has been a huge, huge impact to our team.”

Kevin O’Connell on his running backs

At the end of the day, the status of Aaron Jones is more than about a single game. Minnesota would love to be at full strength against the Detroit Lions, but they still have 12 games to play. A 5-0 start doesn’t guarantee a spot in the playoffs. The Vikings must do everything to line themselves up in that position down the stretch.

Related: Minnesota Vikings RB Gives His Own Injury Update

No matter how the Vikings fare on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, they will see the divisional opponent again this season at Ford Field. The goal should be to at least win one of those contests, and health should be prioritized heading into the playoffs. Cam Akers provides another high quality option for O’Connell, and he looked like a nice addition as the lead runner last year.

Related: Early Week 7 Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: No Aaron Jones, Blake Cashman, Many Others

The actual outcome of this entire situation likely won’t be revealed until Saturday or Sunday. If Jones isn’t able to go, Akers can immediately step in and provide another piece that the Lions will have to gameplan for.