Cam Akers slipped past a New York Giants defender and headed off to the races on Saturday at NRG Stadium.
When he initially signed with the Houston Texans, no one knew what to expect from the 2020 second-round pick. Despite being one of the more sought-after high school recruits in the nation, injuries had hindered Akers’ success through four NFL seasons.
In Saturday’s 28-10 win over New York, Akers looked like the version of himself that served as the anchor of the ground-and-pound attack while at Florida State. He swiped past three defensive linemen to pick up 15 yards and the first down.
Entering the final week of the preseason, Akers looks as if he’s also swiped a roster spot on the Texans’ 53-man roster.
Cam Akers tore his Achilles twice in a few years and is still making plays. pic.twitter.com/ZsYSQbMDAG
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) August 20, 2024
“It’s crazy to think through all the stuff that he’s gone through and he’s still able to ball like that,” tight end Dalton Schultz said Monday. “It’s fun man. It’s fun to watch him run and he’s a great teammate, great guy, smart player. I think having that in the room is good for us.”
Akers’ preseason success might not show itself in ways such as C.J. Stroud’s passing or Danielle Hunter’s pressure rate. He’s only totaled 59 rushing yards on 17 attempts in three games.
Of course, most players on the Texans’ roster aren’t coming off a torn Achilles. Few players in the NFL have lasted long enough to suffer two Achilles injuries in either leg.
But Akers, who showed promise with both the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings in four seasons, has provided the same upside as a secondary runner and pass-catcher in the preseason. On top of leading Houston in rushing, Akers has added value in the short-passing game with five catches for 42 yards.
“He’s been playing at a high level since I can remember watching him in college,” Stroud said following Saturday’s win. “So, it’s nothing that he changed. I think he’s a little more focused now and just knows what he needs to do to get on the team. He’s been working from there.”
Recently acquired Joe Mixon is expected to see a bulk of the carries in 2024 after inking a new three-year., $27 million extension this offseason. He’s taken on the role of “bell-cow” back during his seven seasons in Cincinnati and should maintain that mentality entering 2024.
A well timed moment of hesitation from Cam Akers turns a potential tackle for loss into a solid gain.
Consistently looked like the best runner in Houston's backfield when given the opportunity this pre-season #HTownMade pic.twitter.com/Cy7rLakzbW
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) August 20, 2024
But the Texans’ offense was missing a spark on the ground to complement the 7th-ranked passing attack last year. Houston finished 23rd in rushing and often relied on short-yardage plays from Devin Singletary to put Stroud in a better position to pick up first downs through the air.
Akers fits what offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik looks for in his rushing attack. That was evident with his cutbacks, vision and open-field speed on Saturday while working upfield to the second level of New York’s defense.
Slowik’s offense differs in ways from Sean McVay’s and Kevin O’Connell’s run designs, but the identities are similar. As his health continues to be restored, Akers expects to remain a constant for Houston’s rushing attack entering 2024.
Call it take-lock, call it whatever you like…
But I still believe Cam Akers is good enough to be an asset to an NFL team!
Talents never been an issue, it’s just the horrible injury history.
I’d love to see the Cam Akers comeback story this year!pic.twitter.com/z9QS5Vwdto
— Matt FF Dynasty 🏈 (@MattFFDynasty) August 18, 2024
As training camp winds down, few have gained as much ground in the race as Akers. Those around the building have also taken notice.
“I’m really loving his game and how patient he is, but he hits the hole at the same time,” Stroud said. “He’s a great back.”
