The Los Angeles Rams suddenly find themselves thin at the running back spot after starter Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles, effectively ending his 2021 campaign before it even began. While the team may be content with the idea of rolling with the stable of backs they already have on the roster – like Darrell Henderson – that hasn’t stopped folks from combing through the available free agents to see if there is anyone L.A. can bring in to provide some relief to the backfield.
One name that sticks out more than most is Todd Gurley, who, of course, played his first five seasons with the team and nearly helped lead them to a Super Bowl title just a few seasons ago.
That type of reunion has the stamp of approval of fellow Rams legend Eric Dickerson.
“That’s a no-brainer,” Dickerson told TMZ Sports. “I mean, he knows the offense, he knows this offense. He doesn’t have to come in and try and learn [the offense]. He knows [Sean] McVay, he knows the guys on the team – that would be an easy fit.”
While that may make sense on paper given the Rams’ need at the position and Gurley knowing the offense better than any other back on the open market, a reunion may not be in the cards. The divorce between these two sides was a bitter one, as Gurley noted multiple times last year that the team failed to pay him the money he was owed following his release. Dickerson did acknowledge that fences may need to be mended for this reunion to actually occur, but also noted that this could be a good move for both sides.
“At the end of the day, football, this is business,” Dickerson said. “That’s what it comes down to. You got to make business decisions. You got to make decisions that are good for the football team, and the player has to make decisions that’s best for him.”
As we wait to see what happens to the Rams backfield, it can’t be overstated how much of a loss Akers is. The back impressed during his rookie season and was primed for an even bigger role within the offense in 2021. According to CBS Sports stats analyst Stephen Oh, Los Angeles’ chances of winning the Super Bowl dropped nearly in half without Akers while their chances of making the playoffs dropped from 64.6 percent to just 53.9 percent. Despite Akers going down, however, Dickerson still believes the Rams can contend in 2021.
“I think Sean McVay is really confident about his football team this year,” he said. “He said it’s one of the best teams he’s ever had. I mean, losing Cam is a big loss, but – I hate to say it – like anything you’ve got to move on.”
