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Vikings acquire RB Cam Akers from Texans

Tue Oct 15 8:45pm ET
Field Level Media

The Minnesota Vikings acquired running back Cam Akers from the Houston Texans on Tuesday for a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2026.

The Texans also are sending a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026 to Minnesota. The deal is dependent on Akers passing a physical.

Akers has rushed for 147 yards on 40 carries in five games (two starts) this season. He was viewed as expendable with Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce back from injuries.

In Week 3, the Vikings routed the Texans 34-7. Akers rushed nine times for 21 times and caught an 8-yard scoring pass for Houston.

Akers spent part of the 2023 season with Minnesota, rushing for 138 yards and one touchdown in six games. His season ended due to a torn left Achilles in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Akers signed with Houston as a free agent in the offseason.

Akers has rushed for 1,728 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 42 passes for 336 yards and two scores in 41 games (17 starts). He also has played for the Los Angeles Rams (2020-23).

Akers tore his right Achilles with the Rams prior to the 2021 season.

Minnesota's top running back, Aaron Jones, is currently dealing with a hip injury. He was injured during a 23-17 win over the New York Jets on Oct. 6. The Vikings had a bye last week and Jones is considered week-to-week by the club.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7

Player Notes
Brandon McManus Oct 15 5:30pm PT
Brandon McManus

The Green Bay Packers signed former Jacksonville Jaguars veteran kicker Brandon McManus to a one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. McManus is expected to be kicking for the team right away in Week 7 this Sunday versus the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. It's been a revolving door at kicker in Green Bay for the last several seasons. Rookie Anders Carlson was wildly inconsistent last year before Brayden Narveson missed five of his 17 field-goal tries in six games this year. The Packers will be hoping the 33-year-old McManus can bring some stability to the position. In his 10 years in the NFL (nine with the Denver Broncos), McManus has made 81.4% of his field-goal attempts. In 17 games last year for Jacksonville, he went 30-for-37 on field goals and 35-for-35 on extra points. He could quickly return to the fantasy radar with the Packers.

From RotoBaller

Alim McNeill Oct 15 5:30pm PT
Alim McNeill

The Detroit Lions and defensive tackle Alim McNeill reached an agreement on an undisclosed four-year contract extension on Tuesday. McNeil was in the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 after the Lions selected him in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2021 NFL draft out of North Carolina State. The 24-year-old had 112 tackles (49 solo), eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, two pass breakups and a forced fumble in his first three years in Detroit. Through five games in 2024, McNeill has picked up eight tackles (five solo), 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, four QB hits and a pass breakup. He's not exactly on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues, but McNeill just became a lot more important to Detroit's defensive line with star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) out for the year.

From RotoBaller

Adrian Amos Oct 15 5:13pm PT
Adrian Amos

Free-agent S Adrian Amos (Jaguars) signed an undisclosed contract with the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, Oct. 15, per his agents.

From TheHuddle

Deshaun Watson Oct 15 5:10pm PT
Deshaun Watson

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on Tuesday that the league's review of the most recent sexual-assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is ongoing, despite the fact that Watson's camp already settled the latest lawsuit with the plaintiff. If the NFL finds that the newest complaint rises to a new violation of their personal-conduct policy, it can levy further sanctions against Watson, including another suspension, a fine or more counseling. Not only has Watson looked terrible in 2024 through the first six weeks of the season, but he just lost his top receiver -- Amari Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday -- and the possibility of another suspension is on the table. Through the first six weeks, Watson checks in as the QB24 in overall fantasy points and should only be rostered in superflex leagues at this point.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Kelley Oct 15 5:10pm PT
Joshua Kelley

The Tennessee Titans signed free-agent running back Joshua Kelley to their practice squad on Tuesday and promoted defensive back Tre Avery from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move. Kelley comes to the Titans after spending training camp this summer with the New York Giants before they released him prior to the start of the regular season. The 26-year-old was originally drafted in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 out of UCLA. Kelley spent his first four years in the NFL in LA, averaging 3.6 yards per carry while scoring six rushing touchdowns on 320 total carries. For now, he'll provide extra depth at RB for Tennessee after Tyjae Spears suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. For now, fantasy managers can continue to ignore Kelley.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Oct 15 5:00pm PT
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The Buffalo Bills released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on Tuesday, a move done to create space for the newly acquired Amari Cooper, according to a source. Even with Buffalo having questionable receiver depth after the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Valdes-Scantling was an afterthought in the Bills offense in his six games with the team. He caught two of his nine targets for 26 yards and no scores. The 30-year-old will now hit the open market and look to latch on with another team for the rest of the 2024 campaign. His most likely destination is probably back with the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been looking for receiving reinforcements since losing both Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) for the entire season. A return to KC might make MVS worth a waiver-wire flier in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Oct 15 5:00pm PT
Matt Prater

The Arizona Cardinals placed kicker Matt Prater (knee) and defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (neck) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, meaning both players will have to miss at least the next four games. Nichols will miss the rest of the season. To replace Prater on the active 53-man roster, the Cardinals elevated Chad Ryland from the practice squad. In the last two games with Prater out, Ryland has gone 5-for-6 on field goals and made both of his extra points. Prater made all six of his field goals and went 10-for-10 on extra points in his four games, surpassing the career 1,800-point plateau. The earliest Prater will be eligible to return from IR will be after the team's Week 11 bye for a Week 12 contest against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Ryland will be a poor streaming option for fantasy managers in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 15 4:50pm PT
Mike Williams

New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said on Tuesday that wide receiver Mike Williams (head) cleared the league's concussion protocol after he was being examined by trainers late in the Monday night loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Williams suffered a head injury late in the game in Week 6 and was unable to catch all three of his targets to add injury to insult. He also received criticism from quarterback Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route on the final play for the Jets that led to an interception. It's just all bad for the 30-year-old. The Jets finally acquired receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders on Tuesday, and now the team is planning to ship Williams out of town. At this point, a change of scenery might be best for Williams, who has caught just 10 passes for 145 yards and no touchdowns in six games for Gang Green this year.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 15 4:40pm PT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) was limited on Tuesday for the second straight day this week and could have a shot to return to action this Thursday night when the team hosts the Denver Broncos to kick off Week 7 action. If Hill is active this week, the 34-year-old Swiss Army knife could see more run either under center or in the backfield with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler expected to make his second career start with Derek Carr (oblique) sidelined. However, we still wouldn't recommend Hill for starting fantasy lineups in most leagues as an unpredictable gadget player essentially. He's also missed three games due to injury this year, including the last two weeks. Hill does have two TDs in three games in 2024, but it's come on just 14 carries for 77 yards while adding two catches for two yards.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Oct 15 4:40pm PT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that he thinks running back James Cook (toe) has a chance to play in Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Cook was listed as questionable for the Week 6 game on Monday night against the division-rival New York Jets and was looking like a good bet to play last Saturday, but the Bills ended up playing it safe and holding him out in the 23-20 victory. Rookie Ray Davis showcased his abilities, carrying the ball 20 times for 97 yards while also catching three passes for 55 yards. Regardless of whether the 25-year-old Cook is able to get back on the field this weekend, Davis' impressive performance on Monday night warrants attention on the waiver wire in all fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in only 14% of Yahoo leagues. We'll have a better idea of Cook's Week 7 status once the Bills resume practicing on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 15 4:30pm PT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand) was limited in practice on Tuesday for the second day on a short week as the team prepares for a Thursday night matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. On a short week, the Saints are likely just giving their star running back a little extra rest. The matchup in Week 7 against the Broncos isn't a great one, and Kamara's upside should be tempered again with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in line to make his second NFL start. However, as long as Kamara is active on Thursday, which he should be, he is a must-start in fantasy lineups. Kamara is currently the RB2 in fantasy points with 104 carries (fourth-most) for 428 yards (seventh-most) and six touchdowns (tied for second-most). His 28 receptions and 238 receiving yards lead all RBs.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 15 4:20pm PT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) suffered a potential season-ending injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. He is slated to meet with a foot expert to determine the next steps in his recovery. If Thomas were to have surgery to correct the issue, then his season would likely be over. Thomas is about as important an offensive player as any for the Giants. He is the anchor of an already shaky offensive line. His absence would significantly negatively affect the value of quarterback Daniel Jones, running backs Devin Singletary (groin) and Tyrone Tracy Jr., and wide receivers Malik Nabers (concussion) and Wan'Dale Robinson. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation closely.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Oct 15 4:13pm PT
Brandon McManus

Free-agent PK Brandon McManus (Commanders) is signing an undisclosed contract with the Green Bay Packers, per sources on Tuesday, Oct. 15. The Packers are also releasing PK Brayden Narveson.

From TheHuddle

Rashid Shaheed Oct 15 4:10pm PT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receivers Rashid Shaheed (knee) and Chris Olave (concussion) did not practice on Tuesday. Both players exited the Saints' Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a little banged up. While Olave has been an inconsistent fantasy asset, Shaheed has been excellent this season and is currently the WR22. He has also seen at least seven targets in three straight games. Olave on the other hand is the WR47 in fantasy. He only posted three points in Week 5 and his injury caused him to finish with -0.5 points in Week 6. However, both players are essential to the success of the Saints' offense as they get ready to face a tough Denver Broncos defense in Week 7. Given that this game will be played on Thursday Night, both players seem to be in high danger of missing this contest. Olave's status is especially in jeopardy given that he is in the concussion protocol and has not begun practicing. The absence of both players would boost the value of wide receivers Bub Means and Mason Tipton along with tight end Juwan Johnson. It would also likely force the Saints to have a heavy reliance on running back Alvin Kamara (hand)

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 15 4:00pm PT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) was a DNP at practice on Tuesday. Carr was originally reported to likely miss multiple weeks so his practice status comes as no surprise. The Saints play on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos and Carr's lack of practice suggests that he is on his way to missing another week. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in place of Carr in Week 6. He posted a poor QBR of 27.9. Prior to his injury, Carr had racked up 989 passing yards and eight touchdowns in five games. His completion percentage of 70.3 is excellent but Carr struggled over his past couple of games. For now, the Saints will have to hope that Rattler can pick up his play as Carr continues to heal.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Oct 15 3:50pm PT
Cam Akers

The Minnesota Vikings are trading for running back Cam Akers. The Vikings will send the Houston Texans a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Akers and a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick. Akers played six games for the Vikings in 2023 after his unceremonious departure from the Los Angeles Rams. He had been filling in for Joe Mixon in 2024 as the latter recovered from an ankle injury. During that time, Dare Ogunbowale emerged as a viable option. Dameon Pierce has also returned to the lineup from his own injury which made Akers expendable. The Vikings only had running backs Ty Chandler, Myles Gaskin, and Aaron Jones (hip) on their roster. With Jones ailing and limited depth behind him, the Vikings likely felt like they needed to make a move. Akers has familiarity with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell due to their days in Los Angeles together. Akers has rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 15 3:40pm PT
Davante Adams

New York Jets new wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) plans to play in Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Adams was traded to the Jets on Tuesday and will make his debut on Sunday Night Football. Although the news is exciting, fantasy managers may want to temper their expectations for Adams. He is entering a new offense with less than a week of preparation time while coming off a soft tissue injury. Additionally, the Steelers are No. 10 against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to have found a rhythm over the last couple of weeks but it may take a couple of weeks for Adams to fully get going. In three games with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, Adams has 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 15 3:33pm PT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints, RB Alvin Kamara (hand) was a limited participant at practice Tuesday, Oct. 15. The Saints held a walkthrough Tuesday so his participation status is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Kamara should be good to go for Thursday night, but managers should monitor the situation either way.

From TheHuddle

Derek Carr Oct 15 3:33pm PT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) did not practice Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Fantasy Spin: Car is not expected to play Thursday night so it will once again be rookie Spencer Rattler under center. Rattler is a mid- QB2 option but should likely be left on the bench.

From TheHuddle

Spencer Rattler Oct 15 3:30pm PT
Spencer Rattler

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) did not practice on Tuesday. While it is not uncommon for players with a concussion to miss Tuesday's practice, it does not bode well for Surtain's potential to play on Thursday night. Surtain has been a certified lockdown corner in 2024. He has only allowed 109 receiving yards this season and he has allowed zero touchdowns. He has stifled opposing wide receivers in fantasy football. Denver is getting ready to travel to New Orleans to play the Saints on Thursday Night Football. The Saints' wide receiver room is also banged up so if Surtain is unable to play, it would make life much easier on rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. However, Surtain's potential absence would affect the appeal of the Broncos D/ST as a streaming option in Week 7.

From RotoBaller