The Los Angeles Rams have taken full advantageof the NFL’s decision to loosen restrictions on jersey numbers for running backs, defensive backs, wide receivers and tight ends to wear single-digit numbers. While most of the switches have come from veteran players, younger members of the roster like running back Cam Akers are starting to get in on the act.
Wide receiver Robert Woods led the way by beating out cornerback Jalen Ramsey for that coveted No. 2 jersey. Other notable players such as wide receiver DeSean Jackson, cornerback Darious Williams and safety Jordan Fuller have since followed suit with switches of their own.
Fortunately, Akers did not have to wait very long to go back to the number he wore throughout his football career. The Rams even provided evidence of the No. 3 coming full circle for the young workhorse, via the team’s official Twitter:
#3 from day 1. @thereal_cam3’s back in 3️⃣. pic.twitter.com/eg478mxEQL
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 18, 2021
The switch for Akers has resulted in yet another switch for backup quarterback John Wolford, who will now be wearing 13. Wolford already moved on from No. 9 following the arrival of quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason.
Of course, this just goes to show the kind of weight Akers now carries within the franchise going into his second season. Following a slow start to his rookie season due to injury, the former second-round pick finally revamped the run game by emerging as its primary option.
There is no question that Akers will remain as a focal point on offense with an even bigger role than he had down the final stretch last season. While he has shown his ability to carry the ground game, head coach Sean McVay may be looking to utilize his versatility as a viable option in the passing game for Stafford underneath.
Perhaps the switch back to No. 3 will even help Akers tap into the power that helped him dominate at every level before the NFL.
