Rams running back Cam Akers was a full participant in practice and could be ready for an expanded role when Los Angeles wraps the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Akers was designated to return from the injured reserve list on Dec. 23, a transaction that came as a complete shock to some.
Akers was believed to be lost for the season when he tore his Achilles tendon in July, just before training camp opened. The injury left Darrell Henderson as Los Angeles’ main running back, with the Rams then acquiring Sony Michel from the New England Patriots.
Akers began practicing mostly on his own and did limited position work during the 21-day window.
“He sure looks good. He looks like he could carry — play a lot of plays, but I do think you want to be smart with an incremental approach,” Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters. “Is that 10 snaps? Is that 20? Is that 25? I think that’s something that as the week progresses, we’ll have a better feel for, but definitely want to get him involved.”
The Rams clinched a playoff berth and can clinch the NFC West by beating the 49ers, or if the Arizona Cardinals lose to the Seattle Seahawks.
As a rookie out of Florida State last season, Akers showed his versatility with 625 rushing yards on 145 carries with two touchdowns, while he also had 11 receptions for 123 yards and another score.
–Field Level Media
