Sean McVay says he will not play Darrell Henderson through the preseason after Rams misplaced Cam Akers for season

The Los Angeles Rams sadly misplaced a vital piece of their offense proper earlier than coaching camp, as second-year operating again Cam Akers went down with a torn Achilles tendon. Some suppose this might open up an enormous alternative for Darrell Henderson, however we should wait till the common season to see Henderson at full pace as RB1. 

Throughout a Monday press convention, Rams head coach Sean McVay informed reporters that Henderson won’t play through the Rams’ three preseason video games, based on Professional Soccer Discuss. Henderson figures to be the brand new beginning operating again for Los Angeles — particularly with Malcolm Brown gone. Final 12 months in 15 video games and 11 begins, he rushed for 624 yards and 5 touchdowns on 138 carries. His manufacturing hinged on whether or not Akers was within the beginning lineup or not, as CBS Sports activities’ Dave Richard identified in his fantasy response piece. When Akers obtained harm in Week 2 and both sat out or was restricted over the subsequent 5 video games, Henderson was the Rams’ predominant man and fared effectively. When Akers returned, nonetheless, Henderson became an afterthought. He hasn’t performed in 16 full video games in two years, so Henderson is actually getting the first-string therapy right here within the preseason in order that he can shield his physique. However is McVay leaving the door open for one more participant to take critical reps away?

The Rams operating again depth chart isn’t going to blow anybody away. Behind Henderson figures to be Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais and the rookies Jake Funk and Otis Anderson. Jones took solely particular groups snaps final season, similar for Calais, Funk was drafted within the seventh spherical after which Anderson was introduced on as an undrafted free agent. In reality, Funk is the one participant of the 4 who was truly drafted by the Rams. Los Angeles may at all times signal a veteran to come back in and take over, nevertheless it seems like McVay thinks his younger gamers have potential. 

“We have got some younger backs on our roster that I am intrigued about seeing how they deal with this chance,” McVay mentioned throughout an interview on ESPN Los Angeles. “I do not know that the veteran route is one thing that we would rule out nevertheless it’s not one thing we’re instantly trying to deal with proper now.”