Saints sign Cam Akers to 1 year deal.

Guy has had such a weird career after that Achilles tear. Came back ultra quick and looked better than he had every right to with that injury timeline. Has kinda floundered since but looks decent at times. Still only 25.

Good sign. Super Bowl bound.

Has rushed for under 200 yards 2 of last 3 seasons and under 300 in the other.

Not expect much here, probably a cut in August.

So much potential coming out of college. A lot of wasted talent due to those Achilles injuries. If Akers can stay healthy he could be a good compliment to A.K. Good hands coming out of the backfield.

I found this very interesting in reference to Cam Akers. I cherry picked these remarks from an article on Akers Achilles rehab.
"In Cam Akers’ case, he was cited as an extremely hard worker who progressed very well through each phase of rehab.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, Akers’ surgeon, discussed Akers’ recovery with several news sources. When interviewed, he highlights this was “not a magic trick”. In 2013, he performed an Achilles tendon repair on Kobe Bryant. He had been incorporating a technique he learned that added an extra suture which was designed to help absorb more tension and avoid all the tension at the repair line. He aso highlights a newer looping technique which would take more tension into various areas and help disperse force. I highlight these advancements in surgical techniques and biomedical engineering because it will continue to challenge what we know in the world of rehabilitation. This is why general timelines are not the best way to gauge an individual’s rehab.

Akers’ was doing rehab 2 days after surgery, working on the muscles above his knee such as his quads and hamstrings. His rehab team also used blood flow restriction therapy (see our BFR blog we wrote!), to help reduce muscle atrophy and accelerate his rehabilitation timeline and process. He had a nutritionist working with him on his diet, and a rehab team of trainers, PT’s and massage therapists all helping him get back on the field as soon as possible. So while many of us will not have this entire team during a rehab process, it highlights how much is required in order to return to the field that quickly. Akers has served as an inspiration for not only other athletes, but has likely helped other general managers and coaches put more faith in players returning to a high level of competition earlier. David Ojabo, a edge rusher from University of Michigan, tore his achilles in March of 2022. He was still selected in the early second round of the NFL draft by the Ravens, and when asked about it, cited Akers’ returning in 5.5 months. He reported confidence he would be able to return for this season, and clearly the Ravens’ felt this injury wasn’t a big enough risk to outweigh the potential reward for such a talented young athlete. The evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation techniques has resulted in what was once feared as one of the worst and hardest injuries to return to an elite level, as one that is not only possible, but highly probable!"
Emphasis on the quote"In Cam Akers case he was cited as an extremely hard worker who progressed very well through each phase of rehab.

These are the type of players you acquire to build a team

It's so strange how running backs pan out or don't pan out in the NFL, especially after injuries. It's practically luck of the draw. Some guys last for 10 years while others don't make it 2.