Who Should I Start? Damien Harris or Cam Akers

Monday, March 25, 9:07 PM

Former New England Patriots running back Damien Harris announced his retirement from professional football on Monday at age 27. The Patriots selected Harris in the third round (87th overall) in the 2019 NFL draft out of Alabama, and he had 449 rushing attempts for 2,094 yards and 20 touchdowns in his four years in New England in 38 regular-season games (34 starts) while adding 40 receptions on 51 targets for an additional 281 receiving yards. Harris spent the 2023 campaign with the Buffalo Bills but played in only six games before suffering a season-ending concussion/neck injury that saw him be taken off the field in an ambulance. He'll end his NFL career after just five seasons, recording 2,188 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 427 carries with the Pats and Bills.

Sunday, July 21, 7:38 PM

Free-agent running back Cam Akers (Achilles) agreed to a deal with the Texans. Houston hosted him for a workout on Sunday. Apparently, things went well, so he'll join a team that already has Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce, and Dare Ogunbowale on the roster. Akers spent four seasons with the Rams before suiting up for the Vikings in 2023. He appeared in six contests for Minnesota, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown off 38 carries, adding 11 receptions for 70 yards. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old is coming off his second Achilles tear. At any rate, Akers' anticipated volume should help keep him on the field, assuming he remains with the team come Week 1. However, his reduced workload won't earn him a spot on most fantasy rosters.