It’s been less than a year since the Los Angeles Rams signed Todd Gurley to an extension and made him the NFL’s top-paid running back, but his days of being a true workhorse could be numbered already. Entering his fifth season, Gurley is unlikely to be the bell cow he’s been since being drafted by the Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Rapoport shared some news about Gurley on “NFL Total Access” Monday night, citing his knee, age and number of touches as reasons he probably won’t be an “every-down” back for the Rams anymore.

“The days of Todd Gurley just being the straight-up, every-down bell cow are probably over, just based on his knee, his age, the position, the amount of carries he’s had,” Rapoport said. “It’s probably not going to be like that, which by the way is maybe why the Rams drafted a running back in the third round, someone they really like a lot. This is a team that is clearly ready to spread the ball around.”

The Rams aren’t lacking for weapons, boasting playmakers such as Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and now Darrell Henderson on offense. As good as all those players are, Gurley is by far their biggest threat – when healthy. Unfortunately, he may never be as healthy as he was the past four seasons, which is a real concern.

Gurley’s trainer said the two-time All-Pro wants to play 6 pounds lighter than he did last season in an attempt to become more agile and possibly better as a receiver. Sean McVay doesn’t have an issue with that, saying Gurley has earned the right to make a decision like that.

“I want him to feel most comfortable and that’s the most important thing – what he feels like he can function at, be the all-purpose back he’s been and that’s where we’re at,” McVay said at Monday’s press conference. “So if he says, ‘I’d rather play 5, 10 pounds lighter,’ and he’s going to feel better about that, then that’s exactly what we’ll do. I think he’s earned the right to be able to tell us how he’s feeling with the give and take. As long as he’s got a why, which I know he does, then we’re always receptive to those things.”

McVay said Gurley has “always been a guy that has a great command on his body weight and takes really good care of himself,” which is a big reason the Rams trust him to play lighter next season. And back in April, McVay said Gurley will still be the “focal point” of the offense, though it’s unclear if that sentiment has changed since.

The addition of Henderson is another wrinkle in the equation because the rookie is certainly going to get his touches after the Rams traded up to draft him. And more touches for Henderson means fewer touches for Gurley, hence him not being a bell cow anymore in L.A.

At this point, the Rams just have to maximize the value they get out of Gurley, who’s under contract through 2023.