3 years agoLos Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles' tendon while training, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The injury is terrible news for Akers, who was set to take over as the lead back for the Rams in 2021 and was projected as a late first or early second-round pick in fantasy drafts. Akers will likely miss the entire 2021 season, although the injury happened early enough that he tentatively should have enough time to get healthy for the 2022 season. With Akers unavailable, third-year running back Darrell Henderson becomes the lead back in LA, although at 208 pounds, he might not enjoy the bell-cow usage that Akers was slated to see. Henderson instantly becomes a name to keep in mind as a low-end RB2 in fantasy who is worth drafting as early as the late fourth or fifth round in PPR leagues. Look for his ADP to spike in the coming days. Henderson was effective as the lead runner in a committee approach in 2020 in the first half before injuries and Akers' strong play led to a diminished role later in the year. The 23-year-old finished the year with 138 carries for 624 yards (4.5 yards per attempt) and five touchdowns, while also contributing 16 receptions for 159 yards and another score. The Rams have faith in Henderson being their lead back, but they could eventually be in the market to sign a free-agent running back with Xavier Jones, Jake Funk, Raymond Calais and Otis Anderson behind Henderson on the depth chart. Some names still floating around out there include Adrian Peterson, Duke Johnson and old friend Todd Gurley.--Matt T - RotoBaller
Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter