EAGAN, Minn. - The Minnesota Vikings received grim news on Monday as an MRI confirmed that running back Cam Akers has torn his left Achilles. This marks the second time Akers has suffered this type of injury in his four-year career, with his right Achilles tendon tearing during the 2021 season while playing for the Los Angeles Rams.

Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed the devastating injury, raising concerns about Akers' future on the field. The initial tear forced him to miss the rest of the regular season, but he made a remarkable comeback by undergoing the innovative SpeedBridge surgical procedure. This procedure significantly reduced his recovery time from the usual nine to 12 months to just 5½ months, allowing him to return in time for the 2021 postseason.

Akers' journey took a new turn when the Vikings acquired him from the Rams during Week 3 to serve as a backup to starting running back Alexander Mattison. Unfortunately, his season with the Vikings was cut short after just six games, totaling 138 yards and one touchdown on 38 carries.

The Vikings will now have to reevaluate their running back options in the wake of Akers' injury. Ty Chandler is likely to step up as Mattison's backup, filling the void left by Akers. Chandler will have big shoes to fill, as Akers played a vital role in the Vikings' backfield and showcased his skills before the unfortunate injury.

Achilles tears are notorious for their lengthy recovery periods, and it remains uncertain whether Akers will be able to make another successful comeback. The injury poses a significant setback for the young running back, and the team will need to carefully consider their options moving forward.

As the Vikings regroup and make adjustments to their roster, all eyes will be on Akers' progress and the timeline for his recovery. Vikings fans can only hope for the best as Akers faces yet another grueling road to return to the football field.

In the meantime, the entire NFL community extends its support and wishes Akers a speedy recovery as he navigates through the challenging rehabilitation process.