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Akers To Miss Season After Injuring Achilles; Henderson Next Man Up
The Los Angeles Rams' leading rusher from 2020 won't be leading them into the 2021 season.
Starting running back Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles while training, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero first reported Tuesday. ESPN's Adam Schefter characterized it as a "ruptured" Achilles and he underwent testing that confirmed the injury.
Whatever the case, he is expected to miss the entire 2021 season.
As a 21-year-old rookie last season, Akers led the Rams with 145 carries for 625 yards. He was expected to be their primary ball carrier again this season.
Now the Rams will turn to Darrell Henderson, who split carries with Akers last season. And as Profootballtalk.com notes, rookie seventh-round draft pick Jake Funk suddenly has a much better chance of making the roster and contributing right away.
PFT went on to suggest the Rams also may try to sign one of the few free agent running backs available, picking from a list that's mostly aging veterans like LeSean McCoy, Adrian Peterson, Le'Veon Bell and Frank Gore.
Former Rams running back Todd Gurley also remains available.
We'll follow up as needed.