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theramswire.usatoday.com] Rams targeting Week 18 or playoffs for Cam Akers' return but not ruling out this week
Cameron DaSilva
December 31, 2021 6:48 am PT
Cam Akers somehow worked his way back from an Achilles tear in only five months, being activated by the Los Angeles Rams last week and thus making him eligible to play immediately. He didn’t suit up against the Vikings on Sunday, which was no surprise, but Sean McVay opened the door for Akers to play against the Ravens in Week 17.
McVay isn’t ruling out the possibility of Akers making his debut this weekend, but he tapped the brakes on that idea a bit Thursday. He told reporters that while there’s still a chance Akers could play, the target has always been Week 18 or the playoffs.
“Realistically, the target’s always been potentially the Niners game and then – now that we’ve gotten into the playoffs – the playoffs,” McVay said. “We’re really just taking it a day at a time. Not ready to officially rule him out for this week yet, either, but that was kind of always the timeline that we’ve had in place. He has definitely exceeded our expectations to even be available at this point, but I would say the Niners game or the playoffs is kind of what we’ve always pinpointed as the potential spots, but the way he practiced last week made this week a possibility, as well.”
McVay once again made it clear that Darrell Henderson Jr. landing on injured reserve hasn’t accelerated their plan for Akers. That has had no impact on Akers’ timeline, but getting him back now that Henderson is out sure wouldn’t hurt.
Fortunately, Sony Michel is running the ball well and has shown no signs of slowing down, so at least the Rams have their bell cow to lean on right now until Akers is fully up to speed.
