Fantasy Alert: Cam Akers Likely Won't Play for Vikings vs. Chargers After Rams Trade

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers, who joined the team via trade from the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, more than likely won't make his debut this Sunday against the L.A. Chargers.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters that news Friday and added the team is looking to get him ready for a Week 4 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 1.

Akers joins a Vikings running games that has struggled through two matchups, rushing for just 69 yards on 26 carries (2.7 YPC). Alexander Mattison leads the way with 62 rushing yards on 19 carries (3.3 YPC). He lost two fumbles in a 34-28 road defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, although one was called back due to a penalty.

Mattison figures to lead the way once again when the Vikings play the Chargers on Sunday, with O'Connell confirming as much when he commented on Akers.

"I know he's really excited to be here, and he'll work toward potentially being a part of what we do next week, but it's a little too soon to ask him to go this week," O'Connell said.

It's unclear what will happen in Week 4, but offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters that head coach Kevin O'Connell will dictate starting assignments.

"We're going to have to see where he's at," Phillips said regarding Akers. "It certainly will help him that he's been in the system. A lot of the terminology will be similar, and protection-wise most of it will be very similar, which is always a big thing for running backs [and] being able to trust a guy to put him in the game."

O'Connell told reporters he mentioned to Mattison that "nothing changes for him."

"I told Alex nothing changes for him," O'Connell said. "The feelings I've had about Alex and his role for us still all feel the same. There's a thousand things that we can all do to improve our run game, but as far as Alex Mattison goes, he's our lead back and continue to want to build things around him."

Akers is reuniting with O'Connell, who served as the Rams' offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022. That should certainly help ease his transition to Minnesota, although it appears he'll have to wait one week to make his Vikings debut.