Cam Akers has been around the NFL block a few times in his career. That doesn’t mean getting released for the first time hurts any less.
The New Orleans Saints announced on Monday that they would be releasing the running back as part of their roster cutdown ahead of the regular season. Teams can carry up to 90 players in training camp, but have to reduce their squads to 53 following the preseason.
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Akers ended up on the wrong side of the numbers game for the first time in his career and wasted no time reacting to the news on social media.
“NFL a crazy place,” Akers said on X, with a crying emoji.
MORE: Tracking NFL cutdown down, 53-man rosters
If there is a positive in the situation for the running back, it’s that he appeared to know the news in advance. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the transaction 15 minutes after Akers’ initial post.
It hasn’t always been common for teams to reveal their plans with players and staff before the news leaks.
Akers registered just 16 yards on eight carries in the preseason and added four receptions for 15 yards in the passing game.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Andy Dalton (14) and Bryce Young (9) watch from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Andy Dalton (14) and Bryce Young (9) watch from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) runs the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom (22) and linebacker Bam Martin-Scott (57) attempt to tackle him.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (3) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) and safety Miles Killebrew (28).
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
New England Patriots quarterback Ben Wooldridge (17) throws a pass against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
New York Giants tight end Greg Dulcich (89) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (0).
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) catches the ball for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback Shemar Bartholomew (27) follows close behind.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jack Plummer (16) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) stretches back for the yard marker while tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (75).
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (3) runs through the middle against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) looks for an opening as he is chased by Carolina Panthers cornerback Corey Thornton (31) and linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53).
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Former NFL quarterback and member of the Prime “Thursday Night Football” crew, Ryan Fitzpatrick, hangs out with fans before the preseason game between the New York Giants and New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.
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All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. throws during pregame warmups before the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium.
New Orleans’ running back room was already set to be led by Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, making it an uphill climb for the former Los Angeles Rams’ second-round pick.
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After being victimized by a torn Achilles ahead of the 2021 season and another during the 2023 season, Akers has bounced around, making stops with the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans.
With just over a week until the regular season kicks off, Akers will head to the free agent market and hope to land another spot elsewhere.
Akers won’t be going through it alone, however, as this is the reality of NFL cutdown day.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cam Akers says ‘NFL a crazy place’ after being released by Saints