With Joe Mixon’s status up in the air, the Houston Texans must look elsewhere for running back help.
The first name up? Former Minnesota Vikings starter Cam Akers was arguably Houston’s top tailback during the preseason.
And for those wondering why Dameon Pierce wouldn’t get a crack at RB1, he’s currently dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn’t been at practice for nearly a week.
Akers, who averaged 4.4 yards per attempt during the preseason, rushed for 32 yards on seven carries in last week’s win over the Bears after Mixon went out. He also lost a fumble at the goal line when Houston was driving toward icing the game in the fourth quarter.
#Texans RB Cam Akers is preparing to have a bigger role this week against the #Vikings, his former team. Per @AaronWilson_NFL
Mixon and Pierce are both nursing injuries. Akers took the first team snaps today at practice and could be the lead guy on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/Cgff3OSumO
— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL) September 18, 2024
During the open locker room session, Akers was asked about his thoughts on returning to Minnesota for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon. For him, there’s no reason to think of “revenge.”
“Obviously, I’ve got history there, but it’s just another game,” Akers told the Houston Chronicle.
Mixon, who suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s win, is listed as day-to-day. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t specify if Mixon would return to practice, but they’re not ruling him out heading into Thursday’s practice.
“We’ll take it day by day with Joe and his injury and see where he ends up at the end of the week,” Ryans said Wednesday. “Still holding out hope that he can make it.”
Akers, a former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams, has a strong understanding of Bobby Slowik’s zone-base rushing attack. Last season after being traded to the Vikings, Akers rushed for 138 yards on 38 carries and scored a touchdown before being placed on the injured reserve on Nov. 5.
Cam Akers
– 4.57 YPC
– Elite offense
– Mixon/Pierce injured
– Looked good in preseasonIf Joe Mixon misses time, Cam Akers is the starter in Houston.
Any starting RB on an elite offense is valuable, especially one with a pedigree.pic.twitter.com/P9zul4M4ux
— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) September 17, 2024
When asked if he was ready for an increased role should Mixon and Pierce not play, Akers said he was.
“I don’t have to get ready when you stay ready,” Akers told the Houston Chronicle. “I’ve been preparing for this moment.”
Kickoff from US Bank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.
