The Los Angeles Rams are already in the playoffs but will be looking to clinch the NFC West title for the third time in five years with a win against the San Francisco 49ers at home in Week 18. To do so they’ll have an old friend returning in the backfield: running back Cam Akers is expected to play on Sunday for the first time since tearing his Achilles in July.
“I think you let him go. You know, he did a great job these last couple weeks,” head coach Sean McVay said, though he wouldn’t divulge his workload. “To say that he’s not ready, I don’t know that it’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.”
The type of injury Akers suffered usually takes more time to heal, which isn’t surprising as McVay noted that Akers is a “special player” who should give the team a boost.
“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.”
Prior to the injury, Akers was set to be L.A.’s lead back in his second year in the NFL. As a rookie, he totaled 748 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns in 13 games played.
