Rams HC Sean McVay 'very encouraged' by conversation with Cam Akers

Running back Cam Akers may return to the Los Angeles Rams' rotation for this Sunday's game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Per Sarah Barshop of ESPN, Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters Wednesday he was "very encouraged with the dialogue" he and Akers had following Tuesday's trade deadline. Akers didn't play in Los Angeles' last two games because of what Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported were "philosophical and football-related differences." 

The Rams, Akers and Akers' representatives are now reportedly "working through a couple of different options" ahead of Week 9. 

"As far as playing on Sunday, I don't want to put the cart before the horse, but we're working through some different things," McVay added about Akers. "After we had that conversation, got a couple different things that are some options that we can potentially do moving forward. And we'll have clarity on that as far as getting him back working with this group, or if that means exploring other avenues."

Stories about issues between the player and club first arose when McVay publicly said after the team's Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills that he wanted Akers to display an "increased level of urgency and accountability." According to Barshop, Akers later claimed that particular discussion happened during training camp and well before the Buffalo game. 

It was then made known Akers wouldn't play against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6 due to unspecified "personal reasons." While it's assumed the 23-year-old was made available ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, he may be re-joining the Los Angeles rushing attack at an ideal time for a 3-4 team in need of help in the backfield. 

ESPN stats show the Rams rank 31st with a paltry 68.4 rushing yards per game, ahead of only the 3-5 Buccaneers (61.9 rushing yards per contest) in that category. As for Akers, he's tallied 151 rushing yards and a touchdown on 51 carries across five games this season.