Is Cam Akers on his way out of the Rams? Sean McVay says his back will not practice or play on Sunday.
Rams running back Akers is not with the team; MCVAY: “Uncharted Territory”
On Friday, when asked about Akers’ situation, coach Sean McVay declined to elaborate, saying only that the running back was not injured.
The third year running back did not practice on Friday, and coach Sean McVay said Akers will miss Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium.
McVay said of Akers’ future with the Rams, “We’re working through some different things right now, so hopefully you guys understand and respect that.”
McVay also stated that the team would rather keep it “in-house,” later clarifying that personal reasons are “more like we’re dealing with things internally.” ” This is somewhat uncharted territory. He will be fine.”
As the trade deadline approaches, will the Rams look for another running back?
“I don’t know,” McVay said. “I wouldn’t say no, ever. We’ll always explore options if we feel like there’s chances to upgrade.
“That’s probably not something that’s at the forefront.”
The Rams are last in the NFL in rushing due to an injury-ravaged offensive line.
On Wednesday, Akers worked out with the defending Super Bowl champions but did not practice on Thursday or Friday.
Akers has rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown this season for the Rams, who have the NFL’s worst rushing offense (62.4 yards per game).
Akers has been unproductive on the ground by most statistical measures while running behind an offensive line that Akers, a second-round pick in 2020, leads the Rams in rushing with 151 yards and a touchdown on 51 attempts.
In last Sunday’s 22-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, he rushed for 33 yards on 13 carries. The team is missing three starters and two backups due to injury.
Akers, a 2020 second-round pick, leads the Rams in rushing with 151 yards and a touchdown on 51 carries. In last Sunday’s 22-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, he rushed for 33 yards on 13 carries.
McVay told reporters earlier this season that he expected Akers, who missed nearly the entire 2021 season due to an Achilles injury, to play with more urgency.
Akers returned for the regular-season finale and helped the team to the Super Bowl, but he was unable to match his rookie output.
Akers, 23, rushed for 625 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season. He set a career high with 171 yards rushing against the New England Patriots.
Akers has started all five games for the Rams this season, but despite gaining 33 yards on 13 attempts last week against Dallas, he is only averaging 3.0 yards per carry.
Akers has minus-0.98 rush yards per attempt, which is the league’s second-worst performance, according to Next Gen Stats. This season, he has only 86 yards after contact and has only broken one tackle.
According to McVay, running backs Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown will be joined by Ronnie Rivers, who will be activated from the practice squad for the game.
The Rams are 2-2 heading into Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium.
When asked if the Rams will look for a running back, McVay replied, “I don’t know. I wouldn’t say no, ever. We’ll always explore our options if there’s chances to upgrade. That’s probably not something that’s at the forefront.”
Akers stated in training camp prior to this season that he was eager to demonstrate his skills.
“Whether it’s runs, passes, screens, whatever I need to do,” he said. “Whenever my number’s called, whether it’s from the slot, the outside receiver to the backfield, I’ll be ready, whatever it is.”
“Probably just sticking with it, not getting away from it, being true to the run,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Before the game against the Cowboys, Akers was asked what the key to establishing the running game would be.
