RB Cam Akers is returning to the Vikings after a trade with the Texans

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have acquired running back Cam Akers for the second time in 12 months, this time from the Houston Texans as part of a 2026 conditional draft choice swap, the team confirmed Tuesday.

The Vikings will send the Texans a conditional 2026 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft pick as part of the deal.

Akers started two games for the Texans this season in place of the injured Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, including one against the Vikings in Week 3. He ran nine times for 21 yards in that game, totaling 147 yards and a touchdown on 40 carries his time in Houston.

Akers became expendable with Mixon and Pierce both returning for the Texans.

Vikings starter Aaron Jones' short-term status is uncertain due to a right hip injury. Ty Chandler was Jones' backup and would start Sunday against the Detroit Lions if Jones is unable to play, but Akers gives the Vikings better depth than current No. 3 running back Myles Gaskin.

Akers has a long history with Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, as the trio spent time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and 2021.

The Vikings first acquired Akers from the Rams two weeks into the 2023 season. He played in six games behind starter Alexander Mattison, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries before tearing his left Achilles tendon in Week 9. He also tore his right Achilles tendon while with the Rams in 2021.

The Vikings tried to re-sign him before training camp this summer, but he opted to trade to the Texans instead.

“I love Cam Akers,” O’Connell said last month. “Cam is a unique, special and talented person. He can handle the kind of adversity he's faced in his young career and has never been heard expressing self-pity. Incredibly tough player, both mentally and physically. … I have a great relationship with him and care about him very much.