LA Rams RB Cam Akers likely more audition than production in Week 18

When the LA Rams lost running back Cam Akers to an Achilles Tendon tear before the season began, it was the beginning of a string of injures to running backs that would tear through all five rostered players.  Of course, the depth at any position in the NFL is subject to be tested through injuries. But with five running backs on the roster to begin the 2021 NFL season, and all five falling to injury, the Rams were a bit hard-pressed to restock the roster.

Before the season started, the Rams lost running back Xavier Jones and special teams’ player Raymond Calais. As the season started, RB Darrell Henderson was injured, and later in the season, rookie running back Jake Funk would fall to injury. If not for the LA Rams trading for RB Sony Michel.

But after all of the losses to injury at the position this season, the first and perhaps the deepest cut of all was losing Akers.

But whether to unknown advances in medical science, overestimation of the severity of the injury, or the genetic healing powers of Cam Akers on par with that of Marvel superheroes like Deadpool or Wolverine, Cam Akers is back in uniform and is expected to play in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Okay, we’ll pause a moment for that to sink in. A player whose Achilles Tendon required surgery just months ago is suiting up and playing in Week 18. Now, what should fans expect?

Set realistic expectations

The truth is that coming back from an injury that severe is as much about the mental aspect as the physical aspect. Torn tissue can heal, sometimes better than ever. But the mental damage, the doubt caused by planting a foot and hearing or feeling a ‘pop’ as soon as a player tries to pivot or push off? That takes a while to learn how to trust again.

And so, we turn to the expert, Dr. David J. Chao, an ex-NFL team doctor for over 17 years, to set realistic expectations for the return of LA Rams RB Cam Akers. Will he burst free for a 100+ yard outing? Or will the LA Rams give him a token carry or two, simply for the emotional reward to the player who worked so very hard to come back in time for the NFL Playoffs?

The most likely scenario is somewhere in between a full workout and a late-game rush or two.  Why? The LA Rams are heading into the playoffs and need to know how much the offense can rely on Akers in either a relief effort of Sony Michel or as an alternative in the unlikely circumstances that Michel is less effective than hoped for.

With RB Darrell Henderson out due to an MCL Injury for 3-6 weeks, the Rams are left with rookie Jake Funk or veteran Bradon Howell to back up Michel. Neither player has been very effective so far this season.

So what are realistic expectations? Look for five to eight carries, and 20 to 50 yards rushing. Not much, but just enough to confirm that he is back in time for the NFL playoffs.