What It Means:

Akers, who was expected to be the Rams' leading rusher in a three-down role, will now miss the entire 2021 season. Darrell Henderson is now slotted on top of the depth chart by default, ahead of unknown commodities Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais, Otis Anderson, and Jake Funk. The Rams will likely add at least one running back via trade or free agency before training camp starts next week, but Henderson could emerge with an every-down role by Week 1.

Akers added the fifth-fewest Rushing Net Expected Points per carry out of the 76 running backs with at least 50 carries last season. Henderson, who ranked 27th in that same group, is currently the RB13 in numberFire's preseason fantasy rankings. Operating under the assumption that the Rams' depth chart will remain as is, our models expect Henderson to rack up 306.8 carries, 40.3 receptions (54.6 targets), 1,618.0 offensive yards, and 12.4 touchdowns.