Vikings listed as possible trade destination for Rams running back

After the first two weeks of Alexander Mattison getting the opportunity to be the No. 1 running back for the Minnesota Vikings, things aren't exactly going the way everyone had hoped heading into the regular season.

So far, Mattison has only rushed for a total of 62 yards, and he's averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. It's possible that those numbers could improve for him during the next few weeks, but he probably doesn't have much time left to struggle before the Vikings begin to give others a chance to be their top running back.

If Minnesota does end up looking for other options in their offensive backfield this year, they could turn to someone who has recently worked with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell in current Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport revealed on Monday that the Rams have reportedly "had trade talks" recently with the intent to move on from Akers. After he started for them in Week 1, he was a healthy scratch for Los Angeles in their loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

In regards to the possibility of Akers reuniting with O'Connell in Minnesota, The Draft Network's Justin Melo is someone who recently explained why the Vikings could be a good fit for the 24-year-old running back.

"The Vikings should start looking at alternatives [for Alexander Mattison]. Head coach Kevin O’Connell spent two seasons (2020-21) as Akers’ offensive coordinator under McVay in Los Angeles, including Akers’ rookie campaign. O’Connell is inherently familiar with Akers’ abilities.

The Vikings still believe they’re capable of winning the NFC North, where no team is better than 1-1. Akers could provide the Vikings’ rushing attack with a much-needed jolt."

Akers has appeared in 36 games since he was selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, including the playoffs. During his time on the field, he has rushed for a total of 1,836 yards and 12 touchdowns on 473 carries (3.9 average), in addition to catching 38 passes for 377 yards and another score.

If the price isn't too steep and Mattison continues to struggle, could we see Minnesota wind up with Akers on their roster before this season's trade deadline on October 31st?