Vikings Elevate Cam Akers, Henry Byrd to Active Roster Ahead of Bengals Game

The Minnesota Vikings have elevated running back Cam Akers to their active roster ahead of their Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, providing depth following the injury to starter Aaron Jones, who was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Akers, in his third stint with the Vikings, has previously been acquired via trade and was recently signed as a free agent after being released by the New Orleans Saints during roster cuts. Jordan Mason is expected to lead the backfield, but Akers' familiarity with head coach Kevin O'Connell's system suggests he will see significant playing time, especially with limited competition from other running backs like Zavier Scott. Akers, a second-round pick in 2020, has battled injuries including two Achilles tears but has accumulated over 2,000 career rushing yards and showed productivity in 2024 with 444 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have elevated offensive lineman Jake Curhan and defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow from their practice squad ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, addressing injury concerns on their offensive line. Curhan brings experience with 39 NFL games and 11 starts, while Goodlow, who has yet to appear in a game, was recently honored as the Pat Tillman Practice Player of the Week.