Cam Akers returned to practice on Friday after a nearly month-long absence, and Rams coach Sean McVay discussed the running back’s availability for Week 9 against the Buccaneers.
Will Cam Akers playing vs Buccaneers?
Akers had been away from the team since Oct. 9 as the team attempted to trade him before Tuesday’s trade deadline after reports surfaced that he and McVay had a rift over “philosophical and football-related differences.”
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Prior to Friday’s practice, McVay was asked if Akers, who had a full practice on Thursday, would be in the lineup on Sunday, prompting the coach to reveal that the team had not yet decided on his status.
“Just seeing how he feels physically, and then just looking at his ability to digest everything.” McVay explained.
“We’re a better team when he ends up being the guy that we know, sometimes you’ve got to be able to work through things and have good conversations. … The most important thing for us is he’s back.”
McVay has been tight-lipped about the situation since announcing Akers’ absence prior to Week 6 on Oct. 14, saying the 23-year-old was “working through some things.”
He declined to address the issues and events of the previous weeks directly once more, but he did express his delight at having Akers back in the fold.
Akers told reporters he was glad to be back with the Rams before clarifying that he had not asked to be traded or removed from the team: “I never asked to not play. I never asked to not practice.”
Akers was not listed on the Rams’ final injury report for Sunday’s game as of Friday.
While it is unclear what role Akers will play as the season progresses, the promising back appears ready to resume his promising career sooner rather than later.
