Cam Akers out vs. Panthers; Rams in 'uncharted territory'

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers won't play against the Carolina Panthers Sunday in the latest indication that the ball-carrier could soon have a new football home. 

Per ESPN's Sarah Barshop and Kevin Patra of the NFL's website, Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Akers won't practice Friday or play Sunday. Akers missed practice the past two days officially for unspecified "personal reasons," and McVay added the 23-year-old and the club are "working through some things" ahead of Week 6. 

"[This is] kind of uncharted territory, and I think the biggest thing is, out of respect for the situation, want to keep it internal," McVay explained. 

Following the 31-10 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 back on Sept. 8, McVay publicly noted the Rams wanted to see an "increased level of urgency and accountability" from Akers. The third-year pro tallied just three carries for zero yards that evening, and he's since accumulated a total of 151 yards and a touchdown on 51 attempts. 

ESPN stats show that Darrell Henderson Jr. is behind Akers on the team with 138 rushing yards and 34 carries. Meanwhile, the Panthers rank 27th against the run and have surrendered an average of 137.8 rushing yards per contest. 

McVay said Friday the Rams will "always explore options if we feel like there's chances to upgrade" when asked if the team could acquire a different running back.