Latest Minnesota Vikings roster move proves Kevin O’Connell can’t help himself
Kevin O’Connell just had to do it again.
For the third consecutive year, the Minnesota Vikings have added Cam Akers within the first half of the season. This time, the Vikings didn’t have to trade for Akers, as they are planning on signing him after running back Aaron Jones suffered a hamstring injury.
The Vikings also made a corresponding roster move by placing Jones on injured reserve, per The Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling.
Vikings to sign RB Cam Akers
It’s a move that we all expected to happen at some point this year, because head coach Kevin O’Connell loves Akers. He was with him in Los Angeles when they made him a second-round pick. The first time the Vikings traded for him in 2023, Akers ended up being free. He didn’t hit the performance threshold for the draft pick swap to take place since he tore his Achilles against the Atlanta Falcons shortly after the trade.
After Ty Chandler didn’t take the next step in 2024, the Vikings struck a trade to acquire Akers. He played in 12 games for the Vikings in 2024, but didn’t get many touches. Overall, with the Vikings, he has 102 attempts for 435 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, along with 21 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Losing Jones is a big frustration for the Vikings because they planned on having a two-headed monster in the backfield. However, it’s a hamstring injury, and those shouldn’t be taken lightly. He will have five weeks to get right, as the bye week is included in that timeline.
As things stand, the Vikings will have Jordan Mason start for at least the next four games. He was getting a significant amount of touches in the rotation with Jones playing, but he will get a heavier workload. Mason was excellent across the board and averaged over 5.0 yards per carry in those games with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Vikings are dealing with numerous injuries, and it’s starting to add up in a negative way. However, adding Akers will lessen that blow.
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