Cam Akers has gone from the Rams’ top running back to one the team is actively looking to trade away in a surprisingly short period of time. If he does not find himself being moved by Tuesday’s deadline, though, Akers is expected to return to the team, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 23-year-old was inactive in Week 6, as a result of reported football-related and philosophical differences between him and head coach Sean McVay. Very quickly, it became evident that Akers’ tenure with the Rams may very well have come to an end.
Just under two weeks ago, McVay confirmed that the Rams are looking to find a trade partner for the Florida State product. Akers was limited to five total games last season due to an Achilles tear. He was expected to take on workhorse duties after a spring and summer of recovery, but he has averaged just 3.0 yards per carry this season, scoring one touchdown along the way – figures which no doubt limit his trade value.
Personal reasons have once again been listed as the cause for Akers’ absence today against the 49ers, per Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. As they and Schefter note, though, the team remains open to the possibility that a trade is not finalized in the next two days, and thus that Akers would again have some role to play in the backfield.
Still, a deal sending him away would take place “in a perfect world,” per Schefter. Unfortunately for both sides, the NFL Network report indicates that interest from around the league has not reached the point where a trade is imminent. Darrell Henderson will remain the lead back for the Rams after they finished as the runners-up in trading for Christian McCaffrey.
When they take on the latter this afternoon, Los Angeles will look to improve on their 31st-ranked running game. How much of a role (if any) Akers will play in doing so starting next week will be worth watching over the next 48 hours.
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