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Sarah Barshop, ESPN Employees AuthorSep 17, 2023, 02:52 PM ET
- Sarah Barshop covers the Los Angeles Rams for ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2016 to cowl the Inexperienced Bay Packers for ESPN Milwaukee. She then moved to Houston to cowl the Texans. She got here to ESPN after working as a author and editor for Sports activities Illustrated. You may comply with her on Twitter @sarahbarshop.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay referred to as the choice to make operating again Cam Akers a wholesome scratch towards the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday a “coach’s choice” and mentioned it was made within the “greatest curiosity” of the crew.
“[I] felt like that was greatest for our soccer crew,” McVay mentioned after the Rams’ 30-23 loss. “It felt like Kyren [Williams] gave us the very best alternative. And what Ronnie [Rivers] and Royce [Freeman] have accomplished. In order that was a choice that I made.”
Akers, a 2020 second-round choose, is within the remaining season of his rookie contract with the Rams. He had 22 carries for 29 yards and a landing in Los Angeles’ season-opening win.
Earlier than the sport, Akers sent a message on X saying, “I am simply as confused as all people else. I am blessed although.”
Final season, Akers spent almost a month away from the Rams in the course of the season after McVay mentioned they explored the choice of discovering the operating again “a recent new begin with one other crew.” Earlier final yr, McVay advised reporters that he wished to see extra urgency from Akers.
McVay mentioned Sunday that this case with Akers “is totally different” from what transpired final season.
“It’s extra about, I am at all times going to make choices that I feel are in the very best curiosity of our soccer crew,” McVay mentioned. “I’ve super respect for Cam Akers, however I felt like for our soccer crew at the moment and on this recreation and as we transfer ahead, that was going to be the very best choice for us.”
Requested whether or not Akers will likely be with the crew shifting ahead, McVay mentioned, “I feel there’s going to be a possibility to see what that appears like shifting ahead, but it surely’s not going to be a back-and-forth factor.
“He and I’ve had nice dialogue, and we’ll see what occurs over the following couple of days.”
Williams scored twice towards the 49ers, speeding for 52 yards and a landing on 14 carries and catching six passes for 48 yards and a landing. Williams, who mentioned he discovered about his elevated function Saturday night time, mentioned he needs Akers “nothing however the very best.”
“Me and Cam, we had been shut [in] his time right here,” Williams mentioned. “I am hoping he goes someplace that he can excel and do what he does greatest. As a result of Cam is a superb soccer participant, however even a greater individual. So good luck to Cam.”
