Few people thought the Minnesota Vikings could make the playoffs when this season started, but they’re now 5-0, making them one of just two undefeated teams in the NFL, along with the Kansas City Chiefs.
One reason they have gotten off to such a hot start is the play of running back Aaron Jones, who was poached from the rival Green Bay Packers and has 350 rushing yards so far.
However, Jones suffered a hip injury in the Week 5 against the New York Jets, and with his status for the Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions unclear, the Vikings traded for running back Cam Akers.
Before they re-acquired Akers from the Houston Texans, the Vikings reportedly talked to another longtime NFC North rival about one of their running backs.
“So prior to the trade for Cam Akers, I’m led to believe the Vikings preferred Khalil Herbert of the Chicago Bears,” Darren Wolfson of KTSP said, via The Purple Persuasion. “… Now clearly the Bears wouldn’t do the parameters of the deal.”
Per @DWolfsonKSTP via @SKORNorth, the @Vikings had dialogue with the #Bears regarding RB Khalil Herbert before signing RB Cam Akers and is “100% confirmed” and not speculative.
The Bears “wouldn’t do the parameter of the deal” and rejected the Vikings offer.
“So prior to the… pic.twitter.com/dPm0Qq9ZB9
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 17, 2024
Herbert has struggled this season with 16 rushing yards in eight attempts, while Akers has run for 147 yards in 40 carries while filling in for injured Joe Mixon in Houston.
Akers is a Super Bowl champion, overcoming a torn Achilles to return late in the 2021 season to help the Los Angeles Rams win the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The following season, he registered 786 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games for the Rams.
Akers was traded to Minnesota midway through last season, and he contributed 138 rushing yards and a touchdown in six games.
The Vikings have started off in stellar fashion even though star tight end T.J. Hockenson remains out after suffering an ACL injury late last season, and having another known contributor in Akers will help them continue their momentum if Jones also misses time.
