With Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon sidelined, everyone in the Texans’ running back room could elevate their rep count heading into the regular season.
That includes newcomer Cam Akers, who officially signed with the AFC South champions Monday morning before the start of practice. In a corresponding move, the Texans waived wide receiver Jared Wayne.
“We’ve added Cam, (and we’ll) see if he can compete,” Ryans said.
New #Texans running back Cam Akers pic.twitter.com/mcv6qxudbC
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) July 22, 2024
A second-round pick out of Florida State, Akers, 25, is coming off his second torn Achilles tendon within the last three seasons. Still, Houston sees him as a potential rejuvenation project, similar to other prospects who have spent a season at NRG Stadium in the past.
Drafted by the Rams in 2020, Akers tore his right Achilles before training camp began in 2021, yet managed to fight to push through rehabilitation to return and help Los Angeles claim its first Super Bowl title of the Sean McVay era.
Traded to the Vikings during the middle of last season, Akers totaled 138 rushing yards and a touchdown on 38 carries in six games before tearing his left Achilles in November. He also caught 11 passes for 70 yards.
#Texans new running back Cam Akers @thereal_cam3 @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/hnc4x5Btdo
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 22, 2024
Mixon, who finished with 1,410 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns last season with the Bengals, hasn’t practiced the past two days. While not expected to be out long, any time away from Mixon is an advantage for the remaining running backs.
Right now, Akers should compete with Dameon Pierce for the No. 2 running back spot. Mixon, who inked a three-year extension worth $27 million, isn’t in jeopardy of losing reps and plans to be a workhorse this season for an offense that lacked a consistent rushing element last fall.
“I feel very comfortable with where I’m at,” Mixon said Friday. “I think my role in the offense is very unique, and I’m definitely embracing everything that comes with it.
Cam Akers is on the field rocking 22 with no name on back.
P.S. CJ Stroud is already working on a handshake with him. pic.twitter.com/q2LkpXP1Ch
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) July 22, 2024
Pierce, who took first-team reps in Mixon’s absence, seems more lean and agile in his second season with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. After rushing for 936 yards in an impressive rookie campaign, the 2022 fourth-round regressed, averaging 2.9 yards per attempt on 145 carries.
Akers could also make the roster over rookie Jahwar Jordan and veteran Dare Ogunbowale with an impressive camp. He’ll have his first real test when the Texans take on the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame Game next week in Canton, Ohio.
