The words Cam Akers and injury have been a common phrase this season, but his injury this week has been to his shoulder as opposed to anything related to his Achilles. What is the latest regarding Akers’ availability for the Los Angeles Rams ahead of Super Bowl 56?
Cam Akers injury update
Akers was held out of practice all week following the NFC Championship Game with a shoulder injury. That immediately set alarm bells ringing for Rams fans — the team has leaned heavily on Akers during the playoffs so far.
However, Akers said on Monday that being held out of practice was just a precaution. During his media availability, Akers spoke about having an issue they were working through but said he is getting the mobility back. He added that he could have run and carried the ball. Nonetheless, there was no reason to rush back onto the practice field given the two-week gap to the Super Bowl.
Akers has struggled to get going since returning to the field
Whatever Akers achieves this season must be viewed from the perspective of his incredible recovery from the preseason Achilles injury. However, the results on the field have been something of a struggle. Akers returned in Week 18 of the NFL season, recording just 13 yards on 8 touches.
Subsequently, the stat sheet does not match Akers’ heavy workload in the playoffs. Akers has yet to find the end zone while racking up just 151 yards on 54 rushing attempts. He has managed 62 receiving yards on 5 receptions from 6 targets during the playoffs. However, he had 2 fumbles in the NFL Divisional Round game against the Buccaneers that nearly proved to be costly.
Darrell Henderson could return for the Super Bowl
While Akers was out this week, Friday saw the return of fellow RB Darrell Henderson. He has been out since Week 16 with an MCL injury, but his return to practice paved the way to a potential return. That could be especially significant if Akers suffers a setback with his shoulder injury.
Even if Akers is able to suit up, having Henderson potentially available adds another dimension to the Rams’ run game. With Akers, Michel, and Henderson, Los Angeles has a triple-threat of backs, all of whom bring something different to the table.