Bleacher Report listed one player each NFL team should trade in an article. Author Brent Sobleski named running back Darrell Henderson as the Rams’ candidate.
I have the mindset that the Rams should retain Henderson beyond this contract year. An extension doesn’t have to be earth-shattering numbers. With so many questions surrounding the health of the Rams, the team should keep him around. Henderson is part of the injury-plagued group but is the least unpredictable.
The Rams have Cam Akers, but he is a wildcard
Cam Akers tore his Achilles tendon last year. An injury like that can take years for a running back to recover. The Rams need consistency in the running game to keep their championship window open.
The team struggled to close out games in the playoffs last season. Part of that is because Akers possessed the role of lead back after he returned. He fumbled twice in Tampa, which allowed the Buccaneers back into the game. Additionally, he averaged 1.62 yards per carry in the Super Bowl.
Did Akers struggle because of his Achilles? Almost assuredly, but that is the nature of the injury in running backs. They lose their shiftiness. As a result, running backs play worse than they did pre-injury.
The Rams drafted a rookie running back, but he broke his foot
The Rams drafted a new running back, Kyren Williams. Could he be the running back of the future? Absolutely. There is a catch with Williams, though; he broke his foot in minicamp. Coach Sean McVay announced the injury at a press conference.
“(…) We expect him to be back at some point in the earlier parts of training camp,” McVay said at the presser. “But he’s gonna attack the rehab the right way, and it’s an unfortunate setback, and he’s gonna attack his rehab the right way and be back sooner than later.”
If Williams recovers well, maybe the team could discuss a Henderson trade. That idea seems risky, though. Re-aggravating the injury could be detrimental to the team if Henderson leaves.
I expect the now 100%-healthy Akers to be dialed in as the top RB in Sean McVay’s consistent 1-RB offense, where the team’s lead back averages 20-plus touches per game. Darrell Henderson Jr. has proven he’s nothing more than a replaceable running back.
— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) July 7, 2022
If fans think Henderson is unworthy of an extension due to his injury history, then fair enough. However, keeping Henderson could be necessary due to the running back room dealing with this many injuries before training camp.
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