Cam Akers is generating plenty of hype inside the Rams’ building this offseason, drawing compliments from the likes of Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay. But Kyren Williams is another player to watch in the backfield.
The former Notre Dame running back dealt with a few different injuries as a rookie in 2022, first injuring his foot in OTAs before suffering a high ankle sprain in the opener against the Bills. He was limited to just 10 games and 35 total carries, but he could have a bigger role this season now that he’s healthy.
When discussing second-year players who have impressed him, McVay mentioned the job Williams has done thus far.
“Offensively, Kyren Williams has been one of the bright spots,” Mcvay said. “He’s done an outstanding job. You forget that he had to overcome a couple injuries that are just, man. And he just stayed the course, did a good job of getting some good experience last year and he and Ron Gould, and I think Cam has been an outstanding leader for that room.”
Akers is still expected to be the starter but Williams and rookie Zach Evans will be there to take some of the workload off his shoulders. At only 5-foot-9, Williams doesn’t necessarily have the build of a workhorse back, but with his ability in pass protection and underrated receiving skills, he’s fit for a third-down role.
The Rams won’t want to run Akers into the ground, especially given his injury history, so watch for Williams to see a larger role than he had in 2022 as a rookie.
