The Los Angeles Rams already have their ticket for the playoffs punched, but will look to secure the NFC West title with a win on Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. As they look to win a division crown for the third time in five years, it appears like they’ll be doing so with some extra depth in the backfield.
Sean McVay said on Monday that running back Cam Akers is expected to play on Sunday after missing the entire year due to a torn Achilles he suffered in July.
“I think you let him go. You know, he did a great job these last couple weeks,” he said on his team-produced show, as transcribed by the NFL.com. “To say that he’s not ready, I don’t know that I’d be accurate. I think that he’s ready. I think he probably would’ve been ready to go last week. But we’re operating with the expectation and anticipation that Cam Akers is going to make his Rams debut in the [2021] season after Achilles surgery this week. I think he’s got a chance to be able to contribute. And this is a pretty cool story.”
Akers’ return to the field is rather remarkable as the type of injury he suffered typically erases any sort of possibility of being able to hit the field again that season. However, the Rams did activate the second-year back from injured reserve on Christmas day, which set the stage for his pending return.
“Most importantly, it’s because he’s earned the right to come out and help us as a team,” said McVay. “What a great reflection of his mental toughness. The way he attacked the rehab. … Cam deserves a lot of credit.”
McVay noted that Akers is a “special player” that should give the team a boost as they gear up for a playoff run. That said, he also wouldn’t reveal what his workload in Week 18 would look like, but said he will contribute in “some form or fashion.”
Prior to the injury, Akers was positioned to be Los Angeles’ lead back as he entered his second year in the league. As a rookie, he totaled 748 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns in 13 games played.
KVSP