Rams' Akers expected to make season debut against 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams expect running back Cam Akers to make his campaign debut Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers after a miraculous recovery from an Achilles tear in July.

On his weekly show, head coach Sean McVay announced Akers' return to the field following what doctors initially diagnosed as a season-ending injury.

"I think you let him go," he said on the Coach McVay Show Monday. "He did a great job these last couple weeks. To say that he's not ready, I don't know that I’d be accurate - I think that he's ready. I think he probably would've been ready to go last week."

McVay credited the 22-year-old's mental toughness and commitment to rehab for creating his opportunity to return after a significant injury.

"This is a special guy who's a special player. And having him back will definitely give us a boost. What that workload looks like and how it works, I can't answer that quite yet. But I do expect him to contribute in some form or fashion on Sunday against the Niners."

The second-year rusher injured his leg while working out last July. However, the Rams activated Akers from injured reserve on Dec. 25, indicating that he could return for a postseason push.

The Florida State alum rushed for 625 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2020 while also adding 11 receptions for 123 yards and a score.

Los Angeles has relied on Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson to carry the load for most of the 2021 campaign. Henderson is currently on IR with a knee ailment.

The 12-4 Rams can clinch the NFC West with a win over the Niners or an Arizona Cardinals loss in the final week of the regular season.