Cam Akers Fantasy

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles' tendon while training, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The injury is terrible news for Akers, who was set to take over as the lead back for the Rams in 2021 and was projected as a late first or early second-round pick in fantasy drafts. Akers will likely miss the entire 2021 season, although the injury happened early enough that he tentatively should have enough time to get healthy for the 2022 season. With Akers unavailable, third-year running back Darrell Henderson becomes the lead back in LA, although at 208 pounds, he might not enjoy the bell-cow usage that Akers was slated to see. Henderson instantly becomes a name to keep in mind as a low-end RB2 in fantasy who is worth drafting as early as the late fourth or fifth round in PPR leagues. Look for his ADP to spike in the coming days. Henderson was effective as the lead runner in a committee approach in 2020 in the first half before injuries and Akers' strong play led to a diminished role later in the year. The 23-year-old finished the year with 138 carries for 624 yards (4.5 yards per attempt) and five touchdowns, while also contributing 16 receptions for 159 yards and another score. The Rams have faith in Henderson being their lead back, but they could eventually be in the market to sign a free-agent running back with Xavier Jones, Jake Funk, Raymond Calais and Otis Anderson behind Henderson on the depth chart. Some names still floating around out there include Adrian Peterson, Duke Johnsonand old friend Todd Gurley.

Jul. 20th • 10:52 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers saw his stock fluctuate a lot throughout his rookie season. After starting the year with a rib injury that forced him to miss time throughout the year, he totaled 635 yards on the ground over his final seven games, including 121 with two touchdowns in his two playoff outings. During the offseason program, Akers said, "Everything is a lot easier for me. I understand the playbook a lot more, I understand blocking schemes." Pass-blocking for rookie running backs is always one of the most difficult skills to pick up in Year 1, but if Akers has really picked up that aspect of his game this offseason, he's locked in for an extensive three-down role in Year 2.

Jul. 19th • 1:49 PM

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said he thinks running back Cam Akers can be an "every-down back." Akers got off to a slow start in his rookie season after being taken with the 52nd overall pick in the draft while being hampered by an injury that reduced his playing time. But Akers stepped up in Week 11 by carrying the ball 29 times for 171 yards against the Patriots and in the playoffs with a 28-carry, 131-yard, one-touchdown performance. The 21-year-old from Florida State averaged 21.5 carries and 2.8 targets per game while playing over 60 percent of the snaps in the last four regular season games. He became the team's go-to back down the stretch and should see the majority of backfield touches in 2021 with Matthew Stafford now at quarterback. Consider Akers a low-end RB1 with upside heading into his sophomore season.

Feb. 26th • 11:46 AM