Is Cam Akers playing today? Rams get big update on star RBs availability
As the NFL trade block nears its deadline of November 1st, Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers could be on the move. The Rams ruled the running back out of today's game vs. the Carolina Panthers for "personal reasons."
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network is reporting that the team is looking to trade him and will deal him for the right price. Earlier this week, head coach Sean McVay spoke to the media about Akers' current status. It sounded like the team had discussed moving on from him.
#Rams RB Cam Akers won’t play today due to “personal reasons”, and @RapSheet is reporting the #Rams are looking to trade him.
The belief is that he'll draw significant trade interest, and the team is open to a deal for the right value.
McVay told reporters earlier this week:
"I'm working through some different things with Cam. He wasn't here yesterday, he won't be here today and he'll be out for the game. We're just working through some different stuff. We're gonna leave that inside the house and that's that right now as it relates to Cam."
A reporter then asked McVay if he thinks Cam will still be a part of the team. He replied:
"We're working through some things now and so, like I said, just kinda want to be able to, hopefully, you guys understand and respect that. We're gonna just want to keep things internally now."
Akers was drafted in the second-round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Rams. He's only scored four touchdowns in his career. Akers tore his Achilles last season and returned but is having a hard time being productive. He's averaging 2.6 yards per carry this season and hasn't found the endzone yet.
Teams that could trade for Cam Akers
While it seems like the Rams are open to trading Akers, a few teams could benefit from adding him to their running back group. The Carolina Panthers could acquire him since they are reportedly shopping star running back Christian McCaffrey. The Buffalo Bills are a team that is actively looking for a back and could potentially call the Rams about Cam Akers.
The New England Patriots could also inquire about Akers as Damien Harris is nursing a hamstring issue. They may need a dependable third running back going forward. Several teams will be monitoring Akers due to injuries to their own running backs. The Denver Broncos lost Javonte Williams for the season, so good be tempted. The Seattle Seahawks have lost Rashaad Penny for the campaign as well, so could be in need of some support.
It will be interesting to see where Cam Akers ends up in the near future..
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