Texans trade RB Cam Akers to Vikings for late-round pick

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Cam Akers is headed back to Minneapolis.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Houston Texans are trading the veteran running back, plus a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick.

Akers, who impressed enough during the preseason to earn a spot on Houston’s final 53-man roster, returns to the undefeated NFC North franchise for the second time in his career. Coincidentally, both times he’s played for the Vikings came via trades.

Following Week 1 last season, the Los Angeles Rams traded Akers to Minnesota for a late-round pick. In six games as the Vikings; No. 2 runner, he rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in early November.

With the return of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and third-year standout Dameon Pierce, Akers’ role decreased. In Sunday’s 41-21 win over the New England Patriots, he only had two carries for negative yards after averaging 9.7 carries per game in the previous four outings.

The Texans were filled at running back to where Akers likely would have been either been limited for reps or inactive. Mixon and Peirce are coming off exceptional games where they averaged over 7.9 yards per run and scored three total touchdowns.

Dare Ogunbowale also has been exceptional as a third-down especially in the passing games. He also has value on special teams while Akers was only a running back.

While he wasn’t an ideal No. 1 option, Akers filled the void in place of Mixon and Pierce during their absence. He averaged 3.7 yards per run and scored two touchdowns over three games.

In Minnesota, Akers will probably compete with Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin for reps behind the injured Aaron Jones, who’s being considered “week-to-week” after suffering a hip injury before the Vikings’ bye week.

He’ll be a sufficient fit for the offense since he already understands the play concepts, given that Houston and Minnesota share similar rushing concepts.

In place of Akers on the roster, defensive tackle Kurt Hinish will take his place on the active 53-man roster. Hinish, a third-year defender from Notre Dame, was activated from the injured reserve on Tuesday.

The Texans head to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon CT.