The Los Angeles Rams made a somewhat surprising decision on Sunday to leave running back Cam Akers sidelined for their game against the San Francisco 49ers, and we now know why.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Akers had a “tough week of practice” leading up to the Niners game. Second-year back Kyren Williams has taken hold of the top spot on the depth chart, and the Rams are once again looking to trade Akers.
The Rams openly tried to trade Akers last year after he and head coach Sean McVay had some differences, but Rapoport added that Akers’ attitude has not been an issue this season.
Last year, there were issues that led the #Rams to have trade talks about Akers before he reemerged. This year, no issues. His attitude has been good. But remains to be seen how this will be resolved. Sean McVay: "I think there is going to be an opportunity to see what that looks… https://t.co/bS9Wv2RlEW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2023
Akers shared a message on social media Sunday after the news surfaced that he would be made inactive for the game.
While Akers is only 24, the market for him likely will not be robust. Teams know he has fallen out of favor with the Rams, so there is no need to offer anything substantial in a trade for him. If there was a good offer out there for Akers, L.A. probably would have accepted it last season.
A second-round pick in 2020, Akers flashed potential when he rushed for 625 rushing yards and averaged 4.3 yards per carry his rookie season. He then suffered a torn Achilles in practice ahead of the 2021 season. Though he had an extremely quick recovery and returned later that year, Akers has not had a consistent role with the Rams since.
