Rams RB Cam Akers returns to practice following trade deadline drama

Akers hasn’t played since the team’s Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, when he posted 13 rushing attempts for 33 yards. After missing nearly the entire 2021 season with a torn Achilles, Akers has registered just 151 rushing yards and one touchdown on 51 carries over five games (two starts) this fall.

The rest of the Rams’ backfield has been in shambles for much of the 2022 season — ranking 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per game (68.4). However, the other primary piece of the rushing “attack” (Darrell Henderson) has at least suited up for all seven games thus far, while Akers had gone AWOL, perhaps in hopes of being traded by Tuesday afternoon.

It was reported last week that in their attempts to land stud running back Christian McCaffrey, Los Angeles had offered Akers as part of a package to acquire the former All-Pro. McCaffrey ended up being traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters Wednesday that he was “very encouraged” by conversations he had had with the 23-year-old Florida St. product following Tuesday’s deadline.

Los Angeles (3-4) will travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) in Week 9 at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.