Re: Rams roster moves resolve Akers uniform number

Hughes picked 23 after Akers said he was going to switch to 3 next year and also after Akers tore his Achilles. At the time Hughes picked his number it looked like 23 was available this season.

According to this article [theramswire.usatoday.com] Akers announced a switch to #3 before May 17: After initially eyeing a change when the league approved the new rule allowing single-digit numbers for running backs and select other position groups, Akers is officially changing to No. 3.

There are even photos of him wearing 3 last May. From this article: [theramswire.usatoday.com]




He subsequently changed his mind for the 2021 season (so he wouldn't have to buy up all the 23 jerseys that were already produced?) but said he was switching to 3 next year. And on Twitter, he replied to a fan saying he’ll be No. 3 “next year for sure.” [theramswire.usatoday.com]

To me it just seems like the Rams considered Akers to be #3 since that will be his number in 2022. And when Hughes was picking his number no one expected Akers to be back this year so it appeared that 23 was available.

(And yes, Beckham is wearing #3. That number was still available this season, and if he extends I suspect he'll have a different number next year.)

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