Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. have been splitting time in the Los Angeles Rams’ backfield through the first three weeks of the season. The year began with Darrell Henderson Jr. as the clear-cut starter, running the ball 13 times compared to just three rushes by Akers in Week 1.
Then, Sean McVay sent a message to Akers about his level of urgency and accountability, which led to a much closer split in Week 2 – one that actually favored Akers. He got 17 touches in Week 2 compared to 10 for Henderson, a trend that continued on Sunday against the Cardinals.
In that game, Akers carried it 12 times for 61 yards. Henderson got four carries, which he turned into 17 yards.
Akers technically isn’t the Rams’ starter because he has yet to play a game where he’s the first running back on the field, but it’s clear who McVay prefers to have as his lead back. It’s Akers, and the gap between the two is starting to separate.
Here’s a look at their snaps and offensive opportunities over the first three weeks of the season.
Week 1
- Akers: 3 carries, 0 receptions (0 targets), 18% snap share
- Henderson: 13 carries, 5 receptions (5 targets), 82% snap share
Week 2
- Akers: 15 carries, 2 receptions (3 targets), 43% snap share
- Henderson: 10 carries, 0 receptions (0 targets) 56% snap share
Week 3
- Akers: 12 carries, 0 receptions (0 targets), 50% snap share
- Henderson: 4 carries, 0 receptions (0 targets), 50% snap share
It’s not hard to see that Akers’ snaps have increased each week, and Henderson’s have decreased. Similarly, Henderson went from 18 touches to 10 to four, while Akers went from three to 17 to 12.
There’s been a shockingly low number of opportunities for both players in the passing game, totaling just eight targets in three games. Henderson has gotten more chances as a receiver than Akers, but that’s primarily because he’s the one playing on third down, not Akers.
Although there was an even split in snaps played on Sunday, Akers would’ve gotten more chances than Henderson had the Rams gone out for another drive in a four-minute situation, according to McVay. That’s a great sign for where he stands with the coach, even after fumbling on the goal line late in the game.
Fantasy owners shouldn’t fully trust Akers yet because Henderson will keep eating into his snaps and touches, but it’s good to see him pulling ahead in the backfield after a disastrous start to the year.
