Los Angeles Rams’ Cam Akers Is Finding Plenty Of Green After Escaping Sean McVay’s Doghouse

It was Cam Akers sweetest run of the year and it didn’t occur between the sidelines for the Los Angeles Rams.

Before the talented running back could have a significant impact on the Rams this season, he had to skedaddle from coach Sean McVay’s doghouse.

Akers returned to McVay’s good graces to produce a late-season run of success, but only after L.A. was unable to find another place for him to hang his helmet.

When no other team lurched forward at the trading deadline, the next step for they disgruntled Akers and a disappointed McVay’s was one that went in the right direction.

“He’s done everything that we’ve asked,’’ McVay said. “You can’t ask of anything other than the things that Cam’s done.’’

Akers’ career with the Rams looked cooked leading up to the deadline, when he had what McVay termed as “philosophical differences” between the pair. But with Akers’ resurgence behind a patched-up offensive line, indications are that he’ll return next season with L.A. as its lead back.

He certainly comes at an affordable price for a squad which always tip-toes around the salary cap. Akers is scheduled to receive $1.45 million in 2023, the final year of his rookie contract.

It was the Akers’ play in the Rams’ 51-14 blowout of the Denver Broncos that reminded everyone of his potential. Akers had three touchdowns and 118 yards on 23 carries, combined with 29 receiving yards on two catches.

That came on the heels of Akers scoring a combined three times in Weeks 13 and 14, and after a so-so game in the loss to the Green Bay Packers, he broke out against the Broncos.

In every game since his return, Akers, 23, has led the Rams in rushing.

Then again, might the Rams try to move Akers in the offseason, especially if McVay is one to hold a grudge?

“I think it’d be silly based on what a great job he’s done to think of it any differently than him being a big part of what you want to be able to do moving forward,’’ McVay told reporters.

Akers will test a L.A. Chargers’ run defense on Sunday that ranks near the bottom of the league. In the Rams’ quest to keep the ball away from Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and his explosive weapons, playing keep-away with Akers carrying a heavy workload is plausable.

While others doubted Akers’ intensity, including McVay, the former Florida State star never lost hope.

“I always knew, even with some trouble early on,’’ Akers said. “I always knew who I was, know who I am. That’s not going to change no matter what obstacle is put in the way.’’

Little has gone the Rams’ way during their encore season after winning the Super Bowl. For the first half of the year, that included a grumpy Akers declining to give the Rams what they expected when drafting him in the second round of the 2020 draft.

But Akers rebounded and now it seems doubtful that he’ll get bounced out of town.

“He’s playing like the guy we all knew he was capable of,’’ McVay said.

Which means that he should be with the Rams next season, a notion that seem far-fetched not that long ago.