Sean McVay provides update on Cam Akers after trade deadline; RB could practice this week
Cam Akers hasn’t played in the Los Angeles Rams’ last two games as the team tried to trade him before Tuesday’s deadline. After being unable to move the disgruntled running back, his future in Los Angeles remains uncertain.
Sean McVay provided somewhat of an update on Wednesday, saying he’s been “very encouraged with the dialogue” he’s had with Akers. McVay and Akers also spoke Wednesday morning and had a “good conversation” where running back told McVay he wants to be part of the Rams.
"We're working through some different things and ... got a couple different things that are some options that we can potentially do moving forward. We'll have clarity on that as far as getting him back working with this group or if that means exploring other avenues, but want to be able to explore that first one first let him kind of be able to digest some of the things that we discussed, work through that with his family and obviously (Akers' agent) David Mulugheta and then we'll see what the next step is."
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That doesn’t mean he will remain part of the Rams. McVay said the team and Akers are working through options, whether that’s by keeping him on the roster or giving him a chance to play elsewhere.
McVay said it’s “a possibility” when asked if Akers could be released by the team, which is the only way he could join another franchise now that the trade deadline has passed.
Unlike last week when Akers was ruled out for the Rams’ game against the San Francisco 49ers early on, the door on him playing Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers isn’t shut yet. McVay said it’s possible Akers will practice this week and has not yet been ruled out for Week 9.
McVay expects to have further clarity on the situation Thursday after Akers goes over his options with his family.
If Akers does return to the Rams, it’s hard to see him taking back the starting role in the backfield. Darrell Henderson Jr. and Ronnie Rivers handled the bulk of the carries last week and Kyren Williams is working his way back.
That could be part of the reason Akers is unhappy with his role.