Cam Akers has suffered a torn Achilles, leaving the Los Angeles Rams without their young star running back for the entire 2021 season.
The Los Angeles Rams will try to reach another level with Matthew Stafford under center this season. But they’ll be doing it without a key piece of the offense, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported running back Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles while training. The second-year back will miss the entire 2021 season.
The Rams took Akers in the second round of the 2020 draft out of Florida State, as eased him into action early in his rookie season. But he eventually proved to be the team’s best running back and seized the lead role, with 340 rushing yards over his last four regular season games followed by 46 carries for 221 yards in two playoff games. A full-on breakout, as the Rams’ new Todd Gurley, seemed to be coming in 2021.
What will the Rams do without Cam Akers?
With Akers out, Darrell Henderson now jumps to the top of the depth chart for the Rams. Behind him there isn’t much (Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais, Jake Funk), so an outside addition is in order. Adrian Peterson is a big-name available option, with a clear eye on joining a team with Super Bowl aspirations. A reunion with Gurley, who is also still available, is not happening.
The Rams’ offense has functioned best under Sean McVay with great balance. But now there will be more onus on Stafford and a deep group of pass catchers (Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Tyler Higbee, Van Jefferson, DeSean Jackson, Tutu Atwell) to carry the freight.
As for Akers, the early nature of his injury makes it likely he’ll be recovered in time for the start of of the 2022 season.