Rams RB Cam Akers expected to miss 2021 season with torn Achilles

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers is expected to miss the entire 2021 season with a torn Achilles, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Sources told Adam Schefter that Akers sustained the injury while training and underwent testing to confirm the diagnosis. The team did not offer an exact timeline for his return when it announced the injury on Tuesday morning.

The news is certainly a disappointment for the Rams after the successful rookie campaign Akers had in 2020. The 22-year-old Florida State product was the Rams' leading rusher last season with 625 yards and two touchdowns on 145 carries.

Akers' absence naturally opens the door for fellow running back Darrell Henderson. Michael Fabiano of SI.com points out this is a key time for Henderson to have a big impact after injuries and a red-hot Akers decreased his on-field duties last season, although the team might still try to pick up a veteran RB for depth purposes.

Training camp for the Rams starts on July 28.