LA Rams RB Cam Akers may never be the same after Achilles injury

Achilles aftermath

We know that RB Cam Akers suffered a devastating Achilles Tendon tear before the 2021 NFL season started. We also know that thanks to innovative surgical techniques, Akers was medically cleared to resume his NFL career in record time. But we never got the most important answer, is he truly ready?

Throughout the rehab process, a patient gradually increases the weight allowed on the injured leg, and duress like walking, power walking, jogging, and then running is layered on until the medical professionals are satisfied that the ankle and tendon are back to their pre-injury state. And if the role of a running back was simply to run in a straight line, then we would be signing off right now with a happily-ever-after ending.

Plant, pivot, propel

But NFL running backs are only effective when they can plant their foot, pivot on their ankle, and change direction in such a way that they are able to take advantage of cutback lanes to gain optimal yardage per running attempt. Right now, Cam Akers is running in a straight line.

Healing from an Achilles Tendon injury is more that the physical healing process. Much of the recovery is convincing the patient that planting the foot and pivoting on the ankle will not result in the sickening ‘pop’ of another Achilles Tendon rupture. And that is where the LA Rams seem to find Akers right now, unable to plant, pivot, and take flight in the direction of any cutback lanes that open up.