Minnesota Vikings

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers made the team's final 53-man roster on Tuesday, signing just a week after training camp had started. Akers doesn't present much value on special teams, so that means if he's active, he will be pushing for carries on game days to spell workhorse starter Joe Mixon. If the Texans opt to trade away presumed No. 2 back Dameon Pierce as well, Akers would become Houston's preferred backup and fantasy's clear-cut handcuff to Mixon. It's hard to envision Akers, 25, having much upside or standalone value this season, after rushing for a mere 2.8 yards per carry over 60 attempts and coming off his second career Achilles tear in 2023, but the former second-round pick is at least trending up this summer over Pierce.

The Minnesota Vikings have placed tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, meaning he will miss the season's first four games. Hockenson is still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL sustained on Dec. 24 last year. The recovery process was complicated by a delay in his ACL surgery to allow the MCL to heal. Despite the injury cutting his season short, Hockenson had a standout year in 2023, setting career-highs with 95 receptions and 960 receiving yards, along with five touchdowns. With Hockenson sidelined, Johnny Mundt is next on the Vikings' tight-end depth chart. Mundt may see an uptick in snaps, but it's also likely that receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison should receive additional targets from quarterback Sam Darnold. Hockenson is still worth considering late in drafts, especially if your league has IR slots.

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers showcased his skills in the team's final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. He led the Texans' rushing attack with 53 yards on seven carries, averaging 7.6 yards per run. Akers also added three receptions for 19 yards, highlighting his versatility. Acquired to provide depth after starter Joe Mixon's preseason injury, Akers seems poised to secure the third-string running back spot, especially since backup Dameon Pierce did not see any action. Having played in a similar offensive system with the Rams, Akers may be well-suited for Bobby Slowik's zone-heavy scheme. Monitoring who becomes the backup if Mixon is sidelined could be crucial, as the starting running back for the Texans will likely hold significant fantasy value.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has stated there is no specific timeline for tight end T.J. Hockenson's (knee) return from his ACL and MCL injuries. Still, he appears to be making excellent physical progress. Hockenson is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, which he sustained in a late-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although rumors suggest he might return sooner than anticipated, a mid-October return seems more realistic based on current data. While Vikings coaches are optimistic about Hockenson's recovery, there is a significant difference between running and cutting in practice gear and performing under game conditions with full contact. Consequently, Hockenson's fantasy value has been considerably impacted. Although he has a strong track record, catching four or more passes in 22 of 25 games with the Vikings, fantasy managers are often wary of players who will miss several weeks. However, if your league includes an IR slot, Hockenson could be a worthwhile late-round pick as insurance for the end of the season.

Indianapolis Colts running back Zavier Scott rushed the ball 11 times for 55 and a touchdown in the team's win against the Cardinals on Saturday. Scott led all running backs in carries and yards as Indy mixed in four different backs for the game. The former Maine Black Bear spent last season primarily on the Colts' practice squad and will continue to fight for a spot on the 53-man roster this season. Scott has one more chance to solidify himself when the Colts face off against the Bengals for their final preseason game on Thursday.