Texans RB Cam Akers ran for just 21 yards on 9 carries (2.3 per rush) and caught a single pass for 8 yards as the lead back for Sunday's lopsided loss to the Vikings. Game script certainly didn't help, but Houston averaged just 2.7 yards per carry as a team. Akers' lone reception went for a TD late in the third quarter to save his fantasy line.
Akers edged RB Dare Ogunbowale by just 1 snap, according to Pro Football Focus. But he handled 9 of 11 RB rushes and ran just three fewer routes than Ogunbowale.
The latter likely got more playing time because of Houston playing from behind the whole way. Ogunbowale has always played primarily as a passing-down back when he has gotten work for Houston.
The Texans won't have many offensive days as bad as this one. But Akers' performance can serve as a reminder that simply working as the lead back for a good offense isn't enough to make a limited RB a good starting option.
Akers will not be a must-hold as Houston's top two RBs return to health.
Akers' sluggish performance might help keep Dameon Pierce in the No. 2 RB role once he's back to full health.
At the very least, we know that Joe Mixon's not in danger of ceding touches to any backfield mates.
Home dates with the Jaguars and Bills await the next two weeks, for whoever's healthy in the Houston backfield.
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