After receiving 22 carries in Week 1, Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers was shockingly deactivated and made a healthy scratch. It has since been reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport that the Rams have had trade talks centered around Akers and that his spot on the roster is “up in the air.”
Akers, just as puzzled as football fans around the world, took to social media to address head coach Sean McVay’s decision to deactivate him after receiving more carries than any other running back in the NFL in Week 1. “I’m just as confused as everybody else. I’m blessed though,” Akers posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
After the Rams Week 2 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, McVay was asked about his decision to make Akers a healthy scratch. “I’m always going to make decisions that are in the best interest of our football team. I have tremendous respect for Cam Akers, but I felt like… that was going to be the best decision for us.”
The Rams asked running back Kyren Williams to handle a larger workload in Week 2 without Akers and he delivered. Williams handled 20 touches and posted six receptions, 100 yards from scrimmage, and two touchdowns. With the uncertainty surrounding Akers’ future with the team, Williams seems to be the presumed starter moving forward.
It remains to be seen when/if the Rams will be able to find a suitable trade partner for Akers. After being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Akers has failed to carve out a consistent role with the Rams.
