Rams RB Cam Akers suffers season-ending injury while training

© AP Simmons got good playing time, as the Cardinals used a 2-5 defensive formation at times. Campbell did not play as much as he typically does. http://s2.wp.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf?m=1293710960g

#Rams RB Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles while training, per source.

Brutal blow for L.A., which loses its leading rusher from last season a week before camp begins.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2021

We have our first significant injury of the NFC West for 2021 and training camps have not even started. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles while training, which will end his season.

This is a big blow to the Rams offense. Akers was expected to be their starting and featured back after playing well at the end of his rookie season in 2020.

He was sidelined for a bit last season with a rib injury and then an ankle injury. In 13 games last season, including five starts, he rushed for 625 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

He added 221 yards and two scores in two playoff games.

The depth chart for the Rams behind Akers isn’t strong. Darrell Henderson presumably will move into the starting role, although he was limited in the offseason with an undisclosed injury.

This will mean the Rams will have to lean even more on the passing game and quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The Rams are the favorites to win the NFC West. This injury will make it easier for challengers like the Arizona Cardinals to overtake them.

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