Before training camp, LA Rams running back Cam Akers’ achilles injury ended his 2021 season. Let’s go ahead and say it, no NFL rusher has ever returned to form after tearing an achilles; the historical outlook for Akers is not good.
It’s a small sample size, but on Monday night Marlon Mack proved that running backs returning from an achilles injury can be productive at the NFL level.
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There is hope for Cam Akers’ achilles
In 2020, Marlon Mack tore his achilles in week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It took him a full season to recover, but in week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, Marlon Mack began showing signs of his old self.
Mack had five carries for 47 yards to go along with a seven-yard reception. More importantly, he looked the part of a capable NFL running back.
In the days following the game, Kansas City inquired about Mack’s availably with their own options at the position looking limited. The Colts had previously stated that he was on the trading block.
Mack was the only running back we heard the Chiefs ask about, so they must have liked something from his game film this season.
It was only five rushing attempts, but with those carries came renewed hope for NFL running backs battling back from an achilles injury.
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Can Cam Akers come back?
Akers has a few advantages that no NFL running back has ever had on the path to recovery.
Firstly, he is young. Cam Akers’ achilles injury happened just after he turned 22. Theoretically, Akers could put two full years into his recovery and still come back at 24. He would still have the prime of his career ahead of him.
Secondly, Akers’ draft capital makes him unique among NFL running backs who have tried to recover from this type of injury. Akers is an incredible athlete, that is why he was chosen in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Cam Akers is professional about the rehab process
Frankly, following Cam Akers’ achilles injury recovery process on twitter is inspiring. Not only is he ahead of schedule, but he appears to be using cutting-edge recovery practices. Check out the following videos:
https://twitter.com/NateMerwe/status/1438272841221394438?s=20
Cam Akers update 👀⏳ #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/n9VHKIMi0I
— juice (@LArams4L) October 2, 2021
