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The LA Rams suffered their first unfortunate blow to the season, perhaps the first devastating injury new for any NFL team in 2021, with the report on Tuesday that running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles while working out this week. He is expected to be out for the entire 2021 campaign.
#Rams RB Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles while training, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2021
Brutal blow for L.A., which loses its leading rusher from last season a week before camp begins.
Rams' RB Cam Akers ruptured his Achilles while working out and underwent testing that confirmed the injury, per source. He is expected to miss the entire 2021 season. https://t.co/Ti6v52bQoy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2021
Akers was a revelation last December and in the playoffs, helping the Rams offense get on track by being an explosive force at the running back position. He rushed for 224 yards in two playoff games and was expected to be LA’s unquestioned number one back for the 2021 season. That duty now appears to fall back to Darrell Henderson, who was the Rams’ number one back in the beginning of last season but who also dealt with some injuries and then fell out of favor when the team needed a spark.
Akers was the 57th overall pick out of Florida State in 2020.
This leads to a series of questions that will need answers, such as:
- Who will replace Cam Akers in-house? We took a look at the Rams’ current depth chart at running back headed into training camp
- Who could the Rams sign in free agency? Todd Gurley, Adrian Peterson, Le’Veon Bell are those who get talked about first.
- Who could the Rams trade for? We identified 16 backup running backs in the AFC who might be available on the market if Les Snead decides to pick up the phone.