Rams running back Cam Akers was surprisingly inactive for Sunday’s game against the 49ers, which apparently took the running back by surprise.
Shortly after news broke that Akers would not dress out for the Rams, he posted on social media, “I’m just as confused as everybody else. I’m blessed though.”
On Monday, coach Sean McVay said general manager Les Snead had spoken with “a handful of teams” about potential trades involving Akers, adding that “that’s the direction that we’re headed” in regard to the running back’s status with the team.
When asked why Akers was designated inactive, McVay said it was a coach’s decision made in the best interest of the team. McVay added that he was surprised by Akers’s post, considering that the team made it clear to Akers why he was being made inactive.
“I feel very good about the clarity that was provided to him on Friday and Saturday, both through he and [his agent] David Mulugheta. And that’s unfortunate, but I feel like it was very clear in regards to our dialogue.”
Akers, who was a second-round selection out of Florida State in the 2020 draft, carried the ball 22 times for just 29 yards and a touchdown in the team’s season-opening win against the Seahawks.
The Rams clearly have pivoted to second-year running back Kyren Williams, who was a 2022 fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame. Williams had a breakout game on Sunday, carrying the ball 14 times for 52 yards and a touchdown, while also catching six passes for 48 yards and another score against San Francisco.
The much-needed versatility was a boost to the Rams offense, as he emerged as a bright spot in the loss to the 49ers.
As for Akers, it appears his time with the Rams is coming to a close.
