

The Facts: If the situation continues as it has so far this season, Akers has played his last down with the team. Sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Akers, who is out today due to what was described as personal reasons, has philosophical and football-related differences with head coach Sean McVay. The coach has left Akers' future open, and sources say the third-year pro could be on the way out. The belief is that he'll draw significant trade interest, and the team is open to a deal for the right value.
Diehards Line:
The Super Bowl champs will make Akers inactive for today's game against the Panthers, with McVay, when pressed, saying Friday, "I would say it's more like we're dealing with things internally. This is kind of unchartered territory and I think the biggest thing is, out of respect for the situation, we want to keep it internally." The Rams will utilize running backs Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown today, along with recently elevated undrafted rookie Ronnie Rivers, who has impressed and should get carries. Sources tell Rapoport the communication between Akers and McVay has remained cordial, and Akers has caused no problems inside the locker room. But questions about his role, where he belongs and his place in the pecking order of running backs have persisted. That brought everyone to this week with Akers set to inactive. There is always a chance, a source cautions, that Akers snaps back in and he figures it out with McVay. But absent that sort of dramatic turn, Akers could be headed elsewhere.