Vikings injury update: Cam Akers, K.J.
Osborn, Jaren Hall Akers is believed to have torn his Achilles tendon for the second time in his career.
The Vikings believe running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles tendon in Sunday’s win over the Falcons.
If this is confirmed – and it almost certainly is – it would be the second Achilles Tear for Akers in the last three years.
In 2021, Akers tore his right Achilles tendon while a member of the Rams.
The injury occurred in mid-July and incredibly he returned to action in Week 18, just over five months later.
He played in all four playoff games that year as the Rams won the Super Bowl.Late in the third quarter in Atlanta on Sunday, Akers caught a pass from Josh Dobbs and appeared to tear his left Achilles this time.
He was carted to the locker room and quickly ruled out with an “ankle” injury, just like Kirk Cousins last week in Green Bay.
Barring something unlikely, it’ll be a season-ender for Akers, who was acquired by the Vikings via trade in September.
He’s a restricted free agent after the year.
Moving forward without Akers, the Vikings will lean on Alexander Mattison, who had 93 yards and a touchdown on 18 touches against the Falcons but is averaging just 3.
6 yards per carry this season.
The injury will lead to an expanded role for second-year guard Ty Chandler, who will become Mattison’s primary complement.
The Vikings also have Kene Nwangwu on the roster and DeWayne McBride on the practice squad.
Other Vikings injury news: QB Jaren Hall and WR K.J.
Osborn suffered a concussion against the Falcons.
Both will be in this week’s protocol.
Even if Hall is cleared, it appears Josh Dobbs will start at quarterback next week against the Saints.
Osborn’s concussion seemed scary at the time, but he felt well enough to celebrate with his teammates after the game.
TE T.J.
Hockenson had an oblique/rib issue but continued to play and finished as the Vikings’ leading receiver with 69 yards.
“What a fighter to get through this,” Kevin O’Connell said.
WR Brandon Powell, who caught Dobbs’ game-winning touchdown pass, was suffering from cramps.
The Vikings were without LT Christian Darrisaw (groin) for this game and hope to have him back next week.
WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) will qualify for injured reserve, but it’s unclear if he will need more time to recover.
Incredibly, the Vikings went 4-0 without Jefferson.
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