Texans add veteran RB to the fold

Throughout the offseason we here at BRB and pundits at other Houston Texans’ sites have expressed concerns about the depth at the running back position. Early reports are that Dameon Pierce looks much better in camp. However, Nick Caserio and company aren’t stopping there. On Sunday, the team brought in veteran running back Cam Akers for a visit and reports are that he will leave with a deal in hand.

Akers has bounced around the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings. The 25 year old back was drafted in 2020 by the Rams and enjoyed his best season in 2022 when he gained 786 yards and scored seven touchdowns on the ground. Akers has never been able to hold down the job as the bell cow back in any season with the Rams, but he also added more than 600 yards rushing in his rookie season.

For his career, Akers has 1,581 yards on the ground on 4.0 yards per attempt. He has added 38 catches for 330 yards as well. He has scored 12 touchdowns combined between rushing and receiving in four seasons in the NFL. Last season he had 167 yards rushing and 70 yards receiving (mostly with the Vikings).

It is unknown exactly what role Akers will play with the Texans. It appears that Pierce has a better chance of making it as the backup running back, so Akers may stick as a third back that can also play on third downs. The one thing we know in the NFL is that you can’t have too many quality running backs. This will be a story we should follow throughout camp to see exactly how Bobby Slowik deploys him. How do you feel about the signing? Is this the kind of addition you think the Texans should make? Let’s hear from you in the comments.