Cam Akers designated to return off injured reserve for LA Rams

Cam Akers looked poised to have a breakout season in 2021 after finishing strong near the end of his rookie year for the LA Rams.

He finished the year with 625 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a 4.3 average per rush attempt.

Akers began to become a factor in the receiving game as well, totaling 11 receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown while helping to lead the Rams to the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

The Rams eventually fell to the Green Bay Packers, but the loss was of no fault to Akers who had 18 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown in the game.

It looked as though Akers would be in line to become more of a featured back in the Ram’s offense in 2022. However, Akers suffered a torn Achilles injury in late July, just about two weeks before the team opened training camp.

The Rams placed Akers on the injured reserve list, but news broke he will be moving off the injured reserve list Thursday afternoon:

Thoughts

That’s an incredible recovery time for that type of injury, but we’ve seen elite athletes make quick recoveries from injuries before.

The Rams have a three-week window to move him to the active roster. I’m sure he’s been rehabbing like a madman, but there’s a difference in rehab and the body conditioning needed to play in a game. I’m afraid trying to come back too soon would likely result in other injuries or reinjuring the original one.

The Rams are 10-4 with three regular-season games remaining. If Akers returned this season it would likely be with the Rams trying to make a run through the playoffs to win a Super Bowl.

Would it be smart for Akers to attempt to return to action this season? I’m not so sure, but I’m sure if he did, the Rams would do so on a limited basis.

Hopefully, Akers can stay healthy, and we can see him pick up from where he left off in 2020.