The Minnesota Vikings have added some depth to their backfield amid a perfect start to the season.

The team announced on Tuesday that it has acquired running back Cam Akers from the Houston Texans in return for a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick. Minnesota also landed a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick.

The move marks the second time Akers has been traded to the Vikings. Last year, the Los Angeles Rams traded Akers to Minnesota in return for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick. He then signed with the Texans over the offseason.

Akers has had a decent start to the season, posting 147 rushing yards and a touchdown through five games. While he hasn’t gotten a lot of touches, he’s been a solid backup to Joe Mixon and will look to continue doing well in the RB2 position in Minnesota.

The Vikings have gotten a strong start to the year from starting running back Aaron Jones as he’s recorded 350 rushing yards and a touchdown on 71 carries. Jones is currently listed as week-to-week with a hip injury, but as Pelissero noted, there aren’t any long-term concerns about his health.

Akers previously played under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell for two seasons when O’Connell was the offensive coordinator for the Rams from 2020 to 2021. He had one of his best seasons in O’Connell’s offense in 2020 when he posted 625 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Vikings have had a surprising 5-0 start to the season and seem capable of competing for a Super Bowl. Now with more depth in the backfield, they’ll look to continue their outstanding year.