While Thursday night’s Hall of Fame game was cut short due to inclement weather, it was the first opportunity for many players fighting for a roster spot to showcase their talents.

One of those players was Texans running back Cam Akers. It may be surprising to see Akers, a second-round pick in 2020, having to prove himself in the first game of the 2024 season, but he is coming off his second major injury.

In Week 9 of last season, Akers tore his Achilles for the second time in his four-year NFL career. The first time came while working out before the start of training camp in 2021.

Akers didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he made the most of his opportunities, rushing for 13 yards on five carries and reeling in two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown.

The performance has given the 25-year-old the confidence he can still be the player he was before his injuries.

“I’ve been doing that since I’ve been training with these guys in training camp, reminding myself, ‘You’re still you, you still have the same abilities after two Achilles injuries.’ I think it showed,” Akers said via Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “It came full circle, and I want to keep going. I don’t want it to be a one-time thing. I want to keep working and work my way back and keep making plays.”

If Akers continues making plays throughout the preseason, he will carve out a role for himself in Houston’s offense.

That role won’t be the lead back after the Texans traded for veteran running back Joe Mixon in March, but he could still have an impact in a backup role.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans says Akers must stack good showings to do that.

“Cam has a very savvy way of slipping off of tacklers, making plays so I like where Cam was tonight,” Ryans said. “He showed some playmaking ability, which he has shown in the past, it’s just a matter of Cam continuing to get reps and build off what he’s done.”

The beginning of Akers’ NFL career hasn’t been ideal, but he’s as focused as ever on earning a roster spot in Houston and turning his professional career around.

“Most people wouldn’t even be on the field again,” Akers added. “So to even be out there, I give credit to the team for giving me the opportunity. I’m just happy to be here, man.”