Amongst the many issues for the Los Angeles Rams so far this season, the complete lack of a run game is one of the biggest. The Rams rank dead last in rushing yards and next to last in yards per carry. Cam Akers is on the trading block, and head coach Sean McVay’s other options such as Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown have been uninspiring to say the least.
While the team was unsuccessful in trading for Christian McCaffery, there is a possibility of help already on the roster. Rookie Kyren Williams, a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft out of Notre Dame, has been out due to a high ankle sprain and had to be placed on injured reserve.
There is some hope that a Williams return could give the Rams run game a little bit of a boost, but that still looks to be a ways away. Sean McVay provided an update on Williams, saying that the Rams are at least a week away from a return, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
Sean McVay said the Rams are "at least a week away" from having discussions on starting the 21-day return window for RB Kyren Williams.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) October 24, 2022
The Rams then announced on Wednesday that Williams’ 21-day window to return from IR has been opened:
LA Rams Transactions:
• Returned to Practice DB Quentin Lake
• Designated for Return/Returned to Practice RB Kyren Williams— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 26, 2022
While it might be a bit unfair to put this level of hope and expectations on an unproven rookie, there have already been a number of impressive rookie running backs this season. Breece Hall of the New York Jets and Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks are second-round picks who have been outstanding while Dameon Pierce of the Houston Texans is a fourth-round selection who may be at the top of the Rookie of the Year voting right now.
Williams was extremely successful in his final two years with the Fighting Irish. He rushed for 2,127 yards and 27 touchdowns for a team that went a combined 21-4 in that span and he is used to performing under the bright lights and extra attention.
It seems there will still be some time before Williams is ready to get back on the field so McVay and the Rams will have to continue to find other ways to get their rushing attack going. Him returning to the practice field is a good sign though as it seems Williams’ return could be around the corner.
