Los Angeles Rams’ second-year running back Cam Akers will miss the 2021 season with a torn Achilles tendon.
The news was reported Tuesday morning by NFL reporter Tom Pelissero.
#Rams RB Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles while training, per source. Brutal blow for L.A., which loses its leading rusher from last season a week before camp begins.
Tom Pelissero via Twitter
Akers was slated to start at running back for the Rams this upcoming season. Last season he rushed for 625 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 123 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown. This was accomplished in 13 games played, 5 of which were starts.
The Rams still have four running backs on their roster. Those backs are Darrell Henderson, Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais and Jake Funk. With the loss of Akers, the Rams are now candidates to sign a free agent for camp and luckily for them, there are excellent free agent running back options.
Even though there are free agents available, Rams head coach Sean McVay hinted to ESPN Los Angeles on Tuesday that the Rams might not sign another runningback.
“We’ve got some young backs on our roster that I’m intrigued about seeing how they handle this opportunity,” McVay said. “I don’t know that the veteran route is something that we would rule out, but it’s not something that we’re immediately looking to address right now.”
Sean McVay to ESPN Los Angeles
If McVay is just blowing smoke and the Rams do go after a free agent, agents will be fighting for their players to sign with the Super Bowl contender.
Below are some of the top available free agent running backs the Rams can sign.
- Adrian Peterson
- Devonta Freeman
- Todd Gurley
- Le’Veon Bell
- Frank Gore
- Duke Johnson
- Dion Lewis
- Chris Thompson
- LeSean McCoy
- Bo Scarbrough
- Ito Smith
- Tyler Ervin
- T.J. Yeldon
The Rams must move forward as the expectations are high after trading multiple first round draft picks for Matthew Stafford. They moved on from Jared Goff who the organization felt was holding them back from their Super Bowl aspirations.
Adrian Peterson would be a great fit for the Rams. The future hall of famer is in excellent shape and looking to make one last impression on the NFL. Peterson recently talked to Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 in Houston about his physical condition.
“The training is going well, and I’m going to control the things that I can control right now, and, when that time comes, somebody will give me a call,” Peterson said. “That’s all I’m asking for. My body feels good. I came out healthy from last season. My body feels strong. I still feel young. I still feel good. I’m ready to play ball.”
Adrian PEterson to Sportstalk 790 Houston
Peterson’s stats in 2020 were almost identical to what Cam Akers did. He rushed the ball 156 times for 604 yards accumulated 7 touchdowns. He also hauled in 12 receptions for 101 receiving yards.
This move makes a lot of sense for both parties and keeps the Rams competitive with the runningback position group.
