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RB Cam Akers makes Houston debut

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With Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon sidelined, every member of the Texans’ running back corps could increase their reps heading into the regular season.

That includes newcomer Cam Akers, who officially signed with the AFC South champions Monday morning before practice began. In a corresponding move, the Texans waived wide receiver Jared Wayne.

“We added Cam, (and we’ll see) if he can compete,” Ryans said.

Akers, 25, was a second-round pick out of Florida State and is recovering from his second torn Achilles tendon in three seasons. Still, Houston sees him as a potential rejuvenation project, similar to other prospects who have spent a season at NRG Stadium in the past.

Drafted by the Rams in 2020, Akers tore his right Achilles tendon before the start of training camp in 2021 but fought through rehab to return and help Los Angeles win its first Super Bowl title of the Sean McVay era.

Traded to the Vikings midway through last season, Akers had 138 rushing yards and one touchdown on 38 carries in six games before tearing his left Achilles tendon in November. He also caught 11 passes for 70 yards.

Mixon, who finished last season with the Bengals with 1,410 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns, has not practiced the last two days. While he is not expected to be out long, any time away from Mixon is a benefit to the remaining running backs.

Currently, Akers is expected to compete with Dameon Pierce for the No. 2 running back spot. Mixon, who signed a three-year, $27 million extension, isn’t likely to lose reps and figures to be a workhorse this season for an offense that lacked a consistent running element last fall.

“I feel very comfortable where I am,” Mixon said Friday. “I think my role in the offense is very unique, and I really enjoy everything that goes with it.”

Pierce, who played first-team in Mixon’s absence, looks leaner and more agile in his second season under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. After rushing for 936 yards in an impressive rookie campaign, the 2022 fourth-rounder has regressed, averaging 2.9 yards per attempt on 145 carries.

Akers could also make the roster alongside rookie Jahwar Jordan and veteran Dare Ogunbowale if he has an impressive camp. He’ll get his first real test when the Texans face the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame game next week in Canton, Ohio.

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