Cam Akers was expected to be the Los Angeles Rams’ starter in the backfield, but he tore his Achilles tendon during training and will be unable to play indefinitely. His athleticism and explosiveness made him the clear top choice heading into the playoffs. The Associated Press has the story:
Rams’ starter in the backfield out indefinitely after injury
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers is out indefinitely after tearing his Achilles tendon in an offseason training session.
The Rams confirmed the injury Tuesday, one week before veterans report to training camp.
Akers was expected to be the Rams’ starter in the backfield after coming on late in his outstanding rookie season. Akers had 272 yards from scrimmage in the Rams’ two playoff games, capping his rookie year with some of his best play.
The injury is a blow to Rams coach Sean McVay’s plans to build an elite NFL offense around quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with Detroit for Jared Goff early in the offseason.
Akers intended to play a primary role as an every-down back for the Rams after sharing carries as a rookie last year with Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown in the team’s first season following Todd Gurley’s departure.
Akers got 14 carries in his NFL debut, but didn’t get that many touches again until December. The Florida State product took over the primary ball-carrying role for four of Los Angeles’ final five regular season games, averaging 3.95 yards on 86 carries — including a career-high 171 yards against New England.
Akers’ athleticism and explosiveness made him the clear top choice heading into the playoffs, where he rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ victory at Seattle. He added 91 yards and a touchdown in Los Angeles’ season-ending loss at Green Bay.
Henderson is still with the Rams, while Brown left for Miami. Los Angeles also has Raymond Calais and Xavier Jones, who both have limited NFL experience, along with rookie seventh-round pick Jake Funk.
The Rams’ veterans will report to UC Irvine on Tuesday, July 27, with their first practice the next day.
The NFL Network first reported Akers’ injury.
By GREG BEACHAM
