The Los Angeles Rams had their best game running the ball in their win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, but they’ll be shorthanded at running back entering Week 7. With injuries to Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers, rookie Zach Evans is likely to start at running back for the Rams in Week 7 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Williams recorded a season-high 158 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 attempts against the Cardinals on Sunday. The second-year back would suffer an ankle injury in the fourth quarter and he’s since been diagnosed with an ankle sprain that is expected to sideline him for at least one week.
Rivers was operating as the backup to Williams and he carried it three times for 9 yards before exiting with a knee injury. He has been diagnosed with a PCL sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks for the Rams.
Evans received his first touches of the season versus the Cardinals, logging 10 yards on four rush attempts. The rookie sixth-round pick was active for just the second time this season, and he has more special team snaps (9) than offensive snaps (6) so far.
After transferring from TCU to Ole Miss in 2022, Evans rushed for 936 yards and nine touchdowns on 144 attempts in his final collegiate season. The first-year back also caught 30 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns in his three years in college, proving he can be a capable option in the passing game.
The size of Evans’ role could be determined by how he performs in pass protection as veteran Royce Freeman will likely rotate in with Evans. Ahead of a home showdown with the Steelers, Evans is poised for an expanded role with the Rams now shorthanded at running back.
