Vikings Backed Into Decision Time on Depth Player
The Vikings backed themselves into a corner with the success from depth running back Cam Akers.
As expected, the team allowed Mr. Akers to burn through his trio of freebie roster elevations from the practice squad from Week 3 to Week 5. Doing so allowed the team to keep him off the 53-man roster — not forfeiting a precious roster spot in the process — while nevertheless getting contributions from the runner the Vikings love to re-add. Continuing to get these on-field contributions is going to require Minnesota to fully sign him to the roster.
Vikings Backed Into Cam Akers Decision
As things stand, the Vikings have a pair of open roster spots.
Moving on from tight end Nick Vannett alongside offensive lineman Vershon Lee is a good sign of increased health at both spots. Look for Ben Yurosek (a tight end) alongside Michael Jurgens (an offensive lineman) to be ready to roll following the bye. So, too, could there be the return of Donovan Jackson, who is the starter at left guard.
Does one of the roster openings from moving on from Vannett and Lee get used up on Cam Akers?
Neither of Aaron Jones nor Ty Chandler appear likely to be ready for Week 7. Start off with Chandler, one of the two players who didn’t go to Europe. He could get activated off of the IR since he has worked through the minimum four weeks, but his return does not look imminent. Chandler hasn’t been included within the discussion of players who are soon to come back.
Jones, meanwhile, still has more time in the infirmary before being ready. As mentioned, the IR placement requires a minimum of four games off. Jones could come back after Week 7, but that will be contingent on his health.
Furthermore, it’s worth remembering that C.J. Ham has just been brought back into the fold. The fullback is existing alongside Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott as eligible runners. How much more room is there?
Struggling to keep up with the moving parts? Consider where things are with the runners in Minnesota:
- Jordan Mason, RB2 (On the 53)
- Zavier Scott, RB4 (On the 53)
- C.J. Ham, FB1 (On the 53)
- Aaron Jones, RB1 (On the IR)
- Ty Chandler, RB3 (On the IR)
- Cam Akers, RB5 (On the PS)
- Corey Kiner, RB6 (On the PS)
The Vikings could simply leave Akers on the practice squad. That’s fine, but there are two downsides to taking that approach.
First, he could get poached from another team, stolen away by a rival that has an opening on its 53. Second, the Vikings can’t actually lean on Akers for game service since he has already been elevated a trio of times.
An article on Sports Illustrated cuts to the chase: “But each player can only be elevated to the roster a maximum of three times. Before being made available for a fourth game, they must be added to the active roster.”
Minnesota must give Mr. Akers a roster spot if they want him to get back into the game. Any sense that they’ll be keen to do so given what the runner is capable of doing, especially with his abilities as an emergency quarterback?
Cam Akers, 26, comes at 5’10” and 217 pounds. His 2025 season has involved 5 carries for 19 ground yards. Most impressively, Minnesota allowed Akers to lineup in Wildcat, the formation that allowed him to complete his single pass for a 32-yard score.
Carving out room on the active roster appears to be the correct decision for Akers, but Minnesota may slow play things through the bye.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
