Before training camp even began, the Los Angeles Rams were dealt a major blow on offense. Cam Akers tore his Achilles while preparing for camp, sidelining him for an extended period of time.
Given the nature of it and how long Achilles injuries can take to recover from, it was assumed that Akers would miss the entire 2021 season. But that may not be the case. Sean McVay isn’t ruling Akers out, leaving the door open for him to potentially return if the Rams make the playoffs and extend their season.
“No, he’s definitely not (ruled out),” McVay told J.B. Long on the “Coach McVay Show” Monday. “You don’t want to be presumptuous at all. We’ve got to handle our business but if you said we give ourselves an opportunity to play after the season, would there be a possible Cam sighting playing for the Rams? That’s not something I would rule out.”
What spurred the question from Long was a video that Akers posted on Instagram last week of himself going through ladder drills. He looked healthy and quick, showing no ill effects from his Achilles tear.
Back in August, he was already walking on 70% body weight just five weeks after the injury occurred, so his rehab process has been going well.
Darrell Henderson Jr. and Sony Michel have done a nice job in his place, but Akers more or less carried the offense down the stretch last year and was a huge part of the team’s late run. He had 221 yards rushing and two touchdowns in the playoffs, also catching three passes for 51 yards – including a 44-yarder.
He had at least 80 yards from scrimmage in six of his last seven games played, showing why the Rams drafted him in the second round. If they get him back at full strength for a postseason run, that could be a difference-maker for Los Angeles.
