3 Rams that need a bigger role in remaining games

The LA Rams have dropped to a 3-6 record after falling to the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 27-17. This loss seems to hold a tad more weight than the others, considering the injury news coming out after the game. Rams All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp suffered a high ankle sprain, which he had surgery on Tuesday morning. He was placed on injured reserve, which will cause him to miss at least four weeks. Rams offensive linemen Alaric Jackson and Chandler Brewer were put on injured reserve and will miss extensive time due to their respective injuries.

Fans have been lobbying for many different players to get opportunities over the course of the season, and now may be the perfect opportunity. The Rams shouldn’t “give up” this season, but with their record and the state of their roster, they can afford to see what they have for the future.

Here are three players who could and should see a bigger role for the rest of 2022.

3. RB Kyren Williams

Coming out of Notre Dame, LA Rams rookie RB Kyren Williams was seen as an intriguing draft pick. He was extremely productive in college, averaging 5.7 yards per carry while also excelling as a receiver and pass blocker.

In 2022, Williams spent much of his time on IR nursing an ankle injury. This past Sunday against the Cardinals was his first game back in action since the opening kickoff of week one. He didn’t get much of an opportunity to contribute early in the game, as his only carry didn’t come until fourth-quarter garbage time minutes. However, Williams showed a good burst and explosion on that nine-yard carry. Kyren had 4 touches for 39 yards in what was essentially his NFL debut.

At the beginning of this season, it was previously noted by ESPN insider Adam Schefter that Kyren Williams was due for a big workload in week one. Rams head coach Sean McVay has also previously praised the young running back, considering him a player who would contribute on offense by not playing him in the preseason.

The Rams this season have obviously had their issues at the running back position. Rams RB Cam Akers hasn’t been effective this year, leading to him having “philosophical” differences with the team. RB Darrell Henderson has seemed effective when used, but for some reason cannot get a consistent amount of touches to truly affect the game. The Rams even offered a significant trade at the 2022 deadline, for now, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, signaling that they were not happy with their current situation at the position.

So, what sticks? The answer to the Rams’ running back woes just may be a St. Louis, Missouri native who was recently activated from injured reserve. Kyren Williams is obviously someone that the Rams’ coaching staff have a ton of positive things to say about and want to incorporate into their future. What better time to figure out what you have in Williams than right now?

With the injury to Cooper Kupp, the Rams will look to make up for his impact in all sorts of ways. Look for Williams to be one of the weapons used to help supplement the loss of production. Don’t be surprised if Kyren Williams takes over the starting spot at running back for the rest of 2022 and beyond.