Rams RB Cam Akers ‘confused’ after he’s a healthy scratch vs. 49ers

The 49ers defense will have one weapon fewer on the Rams offense to worry about on Sunday.

Los Angeles made running back Cam Akers a healthy scratch for the Week 2 matchup, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer. Second-year backup Kyren Williams will take over primary rushing duties. Glazer added that other teams seem to think Akers is on the trading block.

Akers, who was active last week in the Rams’ 30-13 win over the Seahawks, said on social media that he was not sure why the decision happened, writing, “I’m just as confused as everybody else. I’m blessed though.”

Akers had just 29 yards on 22 carries in Week 1. Williams is the Rams’ lead back with Akers inactive.

“Other guys beat him out to be on the field today,” Fox sideline reporter Laura Okmin said during the game broadcast. “From what I heard all morning is that it is fair to connect the dots from last year’s issues to this year’s with Cam. With all these young guys, culture is a big focus right now. Akers, I was told, wasn’t adhering to that. Two main principals of this culture, I was told: Do what’s expected of you, and accountability.”

The fourth-year running back has been the subject of trade rumors in Los Angeles going back to last season where he spent a few weeks away from the team before the trade deadline. Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters then that “there is a possibility that we could try to help him look for a fresh new start with another team.”

However, when Akers returned, he denied that he was involved in those rumors.

“I never asked to not be a part of the team,” he said per ESPN. “I never asked to not play. I never asked to not practice.”

Akers still managed to put up a solid season in 2022, rushing for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. He also ended the season with three straight 100-yard performances. Akers barely made a mark in the one game he played against the 49ers last season — he missed the second matchup during his absence — running for just 13 yards on eight attempts.