Vikings lose RB Cam Akers for rest of season because of Achilles tendon rupture
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers has ruptured his left Achilles tendon in another blow to a banged-up offenseNOVEMBER 6, 2023•ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ty Chandler - Set up for increased roleChandler is expected to take over as Alexander Mattison's top backup after Cam Akers sustained a ruptured Achilles during Sunday's game at Atlanta, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports.
ImpactWith Akers now set to miss the remainder of the season, Chandler finds himself positioned as Minnesota's number two running back going into Week 10. He's gotten just 13 touches through nine games so far this season, returning 85 yards from scrimmage on those opportunities.
NOVEMBER 6, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Damiere Byrd - Plays 19 offensive snaps in debutByrd didn't record a catch on two targets during Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Vikings.
ImpactWith Drake London (groin) sidelined, Byrd was elevated from the practice squad for the first time this year and made his season debut. Both of Byrd's targets were deep shots and one was intercepted. Across 14 appearances last year, Byrd caught 13 of 23 targets for 268 yards (20.6 YPC) and two scores. He'll have a chance to replicate those occasional big-play numbers if London and Mack Hollins (ankle) are sidelined moving forward, but Byrd doesn't need to be on fantasy radars in standard leagues.
NOVEMBER 6, 2023•ROTOWIRE
KhaDarel Hodge - Catches three passes in lossHodge caught three of six targets for 60 yards during Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Vikings.
ImpactWith Drake London (groin) sidelined and Mack Hollins (ankle) leaving the contest early, Hodge played the most offensive snaps (46) among Atlanta's wideouts. He also paced the group in receiving yards, though tight end Jonnu Smith led the team in receptions and receiving yards. After a quiet start to the season (five receptions on six targets for 64 yards across the first seven games), Hodge has secured six of nine targets for 135 yards over the last two weeks. While that's not prolific production, Hodge has clearly seen an uptick in usage and production since London got hurt. As long as London and Hollins remain out, Hodge should be on fantasy radars.
NOVEMBER 6, 2023•ROTOWIRE
Trishton Jackson - Larger role in winJackson had one reception for two yards on three targets and caught a two-point conversion in Sunday's win at Atlanta.
ImpactJackson played on 53 of the offense's 75 snaps as he was pressed into a larger role with K.J. Osborn leaving with a concussion and Brandon Powell dealing with cramps. Jackson could work as the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver again this week against New Orleans if Osborn is sidelined and Justin Jefferson isn't activated from injured reserve.
NOVEMBER 6, 2023•ROTOWIRE
