Sean McVay: Cam Akers needs to show urgency, accountability

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Rams HC Sean McVay: Cam Akers needs to show an 'increased level of urgency and accountability'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/9/22

Once thought to be the Los Angeles Rams' lead running back heading into the season, Cam Akers was largely absent from the team's season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

Akers had just three carries during the game, rushing for paltry zero yards, much to the chagrin of fantasy owners.

In comparison, Akers' backfield mate, Darrell Henderson, carried the ball 13 times for 47 yards, playing in 82 percent of the Rams' offensive snaps in the opener.

That's quite the discrepancy.

On Friday, Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke to reporters about Akers' usage and what the team expects from him moving forward.

McVay said Akers needed to "maximize" his opportunities, adding the team wants to see an "increased level of urgency and accountability" from the third-year pro.

“I know what Cam is capable of”.
Here is the transcript of Sean McVay’s comments when asked about a limited workload Thursday night for RB Cam Akers (w/ attribution to @LATimesklein for the initial questions): pic.twitter.com/3jq9Asxy3l
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 9, 2022

Despite Akers' lackluster performance to kick off the season, McVay says he still knows what the 23-year-old can bring to the team.

"We've all seen how talented and what a special player this guy is capable of being," McVay told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. "And I want to see him reach his highest potential. And that's really all there is to it."

Drafted 52nd overall by the Rams in 2020, Akers missed most of 2021 after suffering a torn Achilles before training camp. He played in 13 regular-season games during his rookie year, finishing with 625 rushing yards and three total touchdowns.

More must-reads: