The Los Angeles Rams were dealt their first major blow of the 2021 NFL season with running back Cam Akers suffering a torn Achilles while training.
The Rams had high hopes for Akers following a promising rookie year that saw him emerge as the workhorse in the backfield. He was expected to take on an increased role that would likely have resulted in a breakout year for the 22-year-old.
The setback means Akers will likely be out for the year as the Rams prepare for a potential trip to Super Bowl LVI. Despite the injury, Akers is seemingly in good spirits after taking to Twitter to provide a positive update:
I just want to thank any and every person sending prayers my way and wishing me well. I hate this happened but I’m in great spirits and I understand God makes no mistakes. I’ll be back better than ever in no time I’m a soldier. Again, thank you 🙏🏾.
— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) July 20, 2021
It is encouraging to see the Akers is already optimistic about coming back stronger than before. His post is indicative of the mindset that helped him become a focal point of the offense prior to the injury.
Of course, the Rams are still left with a rather notable void to fill moving forward. After all, Akers led the team in rushing last season after carrying the ball 145 times for 625 yards and two touchdowns.
Although he may have just hauled in a mere 11 receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown, the second-year back was expected to take on an integral role in the passing game as well this season. This means head coach Sen McVay will need to string together viable contingency plans both on the ground and through the air.
Thanks to the planned emergence of Akers, L.A. parted ways with running back Malcolm Brown this offseason. This means that the only proven option left on the roster is running back Darrell Henderson.
Henderson has proven capable of providing a spark when needed thanks to his versatility. However, his track record with injuries indicates the Rams will need to bring in a complementary option to help share the workload.
The other backfield options on the roster include Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais, Jake Funk and Otis Anderson. None have yet to register a single carry in the NFL.
There are a number of intriguing free agents left on the market including Todd Gurley, Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell. With training camp set to begin on Wednesday, July 28, L.A. will need to make it a quick search.
