If you tuned into the very first game of the 2022 NFL season, you might have noticed a particular running back wasn’t utilized at all. During the Los Angeles Rams blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills at home, running back Cam Akers was seemingly non-existent. As you could have probably expected, Akers disappearing act angered a large amount of fantasy owners across the world. Well, don’t worry, head coach Sean McVay answered some questions regarding this topic since the game came to a close.
It was looking clear that the Rams wanted to use all four of their running backs on the depth chart coming into this season opener. That didn’t look to be the case at all. Darrell Henderson not only got the start, but he took 13 carries for 47 yards. It was a little surprising to see him handle essentially all of the work in the backfield with Akers listed as a co-starter at running back with Henderson.
After the game, McVay said, “Yeah, I think that’s what we expect from all of our guys. No matter who you’re talking about, you want to see guys do the little things the right way. Compete with him without the ball. There were some instances where there were some positive things. And there were some things that he can do better. But do want to see just an increased level of urgency and accountability snap in and snap out from him.” This could certainly be a major issue moving forward. There were a handful of highlights from the other night which showed Akers failing to pick up blitzes.
Akers And His Comeback
Akers missed almost all of the 2021 season with a torn Achilles. Throughout the offseason, hype was really starting to build as he fought back up into the depth chart. He did get a little lucky though as the rookie Kyren Williams is set to miss the next six to eight weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain. Williams got hurt on the first play of the season, leaving more work for other backs to grabs. This could be why Akers even got as many snaps as he did on Thursday.
It’s not all bad for Akers and the Rams backfield though. McVay said, “I know what Cam is capable of. We’ve all seen how talented and what a special player this guy’s capable of being. I want to see him reach his highest potential and that’s really all there is to it. It’s not about anything other than when he and Darrell are playing at a high level. I feel really good about those two guys at running back for us. I know what he can be and I’m confident that he’ll be that guy that we’ve all seen at the right moments as this season continues to progress and that’s our job to help get it out of him.”
Fantasy managers shouldn’t panic moving forward. McVay still wants to get the young back involved as the season progresses. This should simply act as a wakeup call for Cam as he tries to bounce back in Week 2.