Sean McVay says Cam Akers’ time with the Rams is over
Sean McVay and Rams running back Cam Akers found a way to make up for some differences last season.
That doesn’t appear to be the case after two games this season.
On Monday, McVay suggested that Akers’ time with the Rams is over, regardless of whether general manager Les Snead can find a trade partner to deal with the fourth-year pro, who was inactive due to the Rams’ loss to the 49ers on Sunday was.
During a video conference with reporters, McVay was asked whether Akers would return to the team if a trade doesn’t happen.
“It won’t be an opportunity,” McVay said, adding, “I feel good about the opportunity to move him, but we’re not going to go back and forth.”
Second-year pro Kyren Williams started in Akers’ place against the 49ers and scored two touchdowns for the second time in as many games.
McVay continued to say Monday that he has had a good dialogue with Akers and his agent, David Mulugheta.
That didn’t match Akers’ post Sunday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I’m as confused as everyone else,” Akers wrote, “but I’m blessed.”
Akers’ saga began during training camp in 2022. McVay publicly called Akers out early in the season, saying he needed to play with more urgency. McVay later banned Akers from the team for a few games. But after the Rams were unsuccessful in their attempt to trade Akers, he returned and rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the last three games.
Both Akers and McVay said in the offseason that they had put the problems of 2022 behind them.
Akers started the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks and rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in a 30-13 win.
But the issues between Akers and McVay apparently resurfaced last week.
Ronnie Rivers, Royce Freeman and rookie Zach Evans will now support Williams as the Rams prepare for a game against the Cincinnati Bengals next Monday night in Cincinnati.
On Monday, McVay was asked how he would summarize Akers’ time with the Rams.
“This is not an indictment of anyone,” McVay said. “I[…]really I care deeply about Cam and appreciate some of the challenging things we’ve been through and am grateful for the progress we’ve made in our relationship and our ability to communicate clearly, which is why it’s been quite difficult for me is heard that there is confusion.
“But I wish him only the best. I think he has a lot of skills and that’s really all I can add to it. But I am grateful for the many contributions he has made throughout his career as an Aries.”
