This former Rams player hopes to restore his luster in Texas

He was drafted by the LA Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Florida State University in Round 2 with the 52nd overall pick. He has the mental toughness and the elusive skills that the Rams offense was seeking. He was a rare blend of patience and power, strategic and elusive. When he joined the team in 2020, his talents shined brightest as games became more important.

But mental toughness can transform into defiance. Confidence can evolve into egotism. Unfortunately, despite the pattern of modest success running for the LA Rams offense, Akers fell into the trap of taking more than giving. After racking up 360 carries for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns, the Rams had had enough.

When the LA Rams traded feature running back Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings, it was the end of the best of times, and the worst of times, for the controversial ball carrier. He had a chance to remake his image as he coveted. In short, the Vikings needed a feature running back, and Akers' demands of the Rams to become that feature running back could be met on a new team.

But for the second time in four seasons, Cam Akers season was ended by an Achilles Tendon injury.

While the success of post-Achilles Tendon injuries has improved dramatically, I'm not clear that an NFL running back has reclaimed his pre-injury form after suffering two such injuries. But the Houston Texans, and a roster that is ripe with talent but short of Super Bowl experience, is willing to take a chance on Cam Akers in 2024. You see, they just signed him to their roster.

Of course, signing on to the 90-man roster for training camp is not the same as making the 53-man roster for the upcoming NFL season. But the Texans are not foolish. Whether or not Akers can churn out 1000 rushing yards this season is secondary to what he can provide this young team in terms of insight into how to win in post-season competition.

After all, Akers did start five playoff games, and was part of the Rams Super Bowl LVI winning roster.

The Texans are not counting on Akers to be an NFL leading rusher. Rather, they are interested in having Akers lead young players into a winning mindset that leads to the Lombardi Trophy.

Will he deliver? I really don't know. But this is is third attempt to stick on an NFL roster. And in many ways, three strikes means you are out.

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