Will LA Rams costly injuries open door for Akers early return?

RB replacement I

So now the team must be smart. The Rams have four running backs on the active roster, three of whom could be up for instant promotion into the team’s running rotation.  So let’s go down the list of viable replacements for Henderson

I personally like the prospects of the LA Rams getting meaningful snaps out of running back Buddy Howell. While he has only gotten five carries for 11 yards in mop-up duty against his former team, the Houston Texans, he exudes that gritty type of mindset that is very persuasive at this time of the year.

Solid, strong rushing option

Howell is not cute. He possesses no gimmicks. He just powers forward and makes the best of any running lanes possible. Right now, that could be the smartest style of running back the Rams could use to give featured running back Sony Michel needed rests. After all, the weather is colder. The value of a strong running game, and by association, a strong running back, goes up exponentially this time of year.

Howell is in the final year of his rookie contract. As such, he has plenty of financial incentive to deliver his utmost for the Rams on each and every play. While that may not be breaking it from the Rams five-yard line to take it to the house, it could be a strong 4-5 yard-per-rush average that will help keep the Ravens pass rush honest.

The need for the Rams is to get someone in there who can handle the workload, and who is not at great risk of ending up on IR as a result. Howell checks all those boxes. Now, on to the next option…