Vikings expected to re-sign former second-round RB pending physical

The Vikings will have a new face leading their backfield this season after signing veteran running back Aaron Jones to a one-year deal in free agency.

That doesn't mean Minnesota is done adding to the room. The team reportedly plans to reunite with former second-round running back Cam Akers.

According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, the No. 52 overall pick in 2020 is expected to re-sign with the Vikings if he passes an upcoming physical.

Minnesota traded for Akers in September 2023, but his first year with the team was a disappointment.

He rushed for just 138 yards and one touchdown while also reeling in 11 catches for 70 yards in six games before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 9.

Of course, that has left Akers' status for the start of the 2024 season up in the air, especially given his injury history.

The 25-year-old also tore his Achilles in July 2021. However, he did recover in time to play for the Los Angeles Rams on their way to winning Super Bowl LVI.

If Akers is healthy and does re-sign with the Vikings, he's still far from guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster. He must battle with running backs Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, DeWayne McBride and Myles Gaskin in training camp.

Akers has battled back from injury before, and although he has yet to live up to his second-round expectations, it wouldn't be surprising if he found his way onto the roster as a complement to Jones in 2024.

Akers has rushed for 1,581 yards and 11 touchdowns in his four-year NFL career.