EAGAN, Minn. — Fans may have to wait a little longer to see running back Cam Akers make his Vikings debut.
On Friday, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said Akers is unlikely to play Sunday against the Chargers.
"Excited to add Cam [Akers] to the roster and throw him in the mix with some of our other running backs," O'Connell said. "I think he's a guy I have a personal history with, but he's really excited to be here. We look forward to him eventually being a part of what we do next week, but it's a little too soon to ask him to go this week. More than likely, he will be down for the game, but he's off to a great start here, so we're excited about that."
Akers arrived in Minnesota on Thursday after a trade between Minnesota and the Los Angeles Rams. With only a few walk-throughs and two practices, it's understandable that Akers will take a week to acclimate to his new team.
But thanks to his familiarity with O'Connell's offense from their time together in Southern California, he already feels ready to go.
"A lot of carryover from where we're coming from in L.A. I know 90 percent of the playbook coming here," Akers said. "So just getting to know the team, the coaches, the people, that is probably the main learning curve right now. But 90 percent of the playbook, [I] already know. I'm kind of comfortable it with, but [I am] going can continue to grow, continue to learn and continue to do my part."
Akers started 15 of 30 regular-season games played for the Rams, totaling 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns on 360 carries. He helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI and played a critical role in the team's 2020 playoff run, which ended in the Divisional Round.
The Rams drafted Akers in the second round of the 2020 draft. He played his first two pro seasons with O'Connell as his offensive coordinator. He should help the Vikings offense by offering another backfield option.
"Back in my rookie year, we had a great relationship. [Vikings Offensive Coordinator] Wes [Phillips] and K.O. [Kevin O'Connell] just [being around] those guys for so long you kind of know what to expect," Akers said. "Coming here with those guys, you know who they are pretty much, and they know you. So it makes it a little easier when you have a relationship already."
Mattison is expected to lead the Vikings backfield this week while Ty Chandler remains in his backup role. Akers, however, is ready to help soon. He said he's here to focus on football and already feels comfortable in Minnesota's locker room.
His locker is four bays down from receiver Brandon Powell. The two won a Super Bowl with the Rams. Akers smiled when asked about his old friend.
He's excited to help his new team win like they did only a few years ago in Los Angeles.
"B.P. [Brandon Powell], that's my boy. Coming from L.A., we got a lot of history together," Akers said. "So just to get around some of the guys, I don't have to get an absolute fresh start. I'm around some people I already know, so that makes it a lot easier for me."
