CAM AKERS

It will take a group effort to replace someone as talented and productive as the injured All-Pro receiver, starting with the running back group.

The Los Angeles Rams are used to making the NFL’s boldest moves and getting the big-name players they want.

Running back Cam Akers has abruptly departed the Los Angeles Rams.

Running back Cam Akers has abruptly departed the Los Angeles Rams, who cited personal reasons for why their leading rusher won't play Sunday against Carolina. Coach Sean McVay did not give further details Friday when asked about Akers' circumstances, though he did say the running back was not injured. When asked whether Akers would be part of the Rams going forward, McVay replied: “We’re working through some different things right now, so hopefully you guys understand and respect that.”

The Los Angeles Rams put their NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals behind them on Sunday with a 20-12 win that included touchdowns from Cooper Kupp and Cam Akers.

Whether carrying the ball or making a lightning-fast recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, Cam Akers' brief NFL career has been all about getting places in a hurry. Akers got just three carries for no yards. “If Coach don’t think I’m being urgent enough, just be more urgent,” Akers said Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Rams’ honeymoon from their Super Bowl championship didn’t even last until the first Sunday of the next regular season.

With the Super Bowl almost here, The Associated Press offers a guide to the basics of betting on the big game.

Cam Akers wasn’t supposed to be here right now.

No team in the NFL is built like the Los Angeles Rams because nobody else would dare.

Kevin O’Connell realizes there are going to be plenty of questions about his next steps after the Super Bowl.

Across both Super Bowl rosters, there is a great divide.

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills pitched a near-perfect game in their playoff victory against the New England Patriots.

Matthew Stafford passed for 202 yards and two touchdowns in his first playoff victory and the Los Angeles Rams roared out of the wild-card round with a 34-11 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

The San Francisco 49ers clinched a playoff spot with a 27-24 overtime victory over the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams.

The Los Angeles Rams have acquired running back Sony Michel from the New England Patriots for undisclosed 2022 draft picks.

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers is out indefinitely after tearing his Achilles tendon in an offseason training session.

Without Donald in peak form, the NFL’s top defense simply couldn’t slow down the league’s highest-scoring offense. The Green Bay Packers scored on their first five series and beat the Rams 32-18 in the NFC divisional playoffs. “I love Aaron Donald,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. Yet this heavyweight matchup between the Packers’ offense and the Rams’ defense was more like a mismatch for much of the day. You have to defend every inch as far as laterally.”The Rams also had some uncharacteristic mistakes on defense to help Green Bay out.

Rodgers threw two touchdown passes and also ran for a score as the top-seeded Green Bay Packers beat the Los Angeles Rams 32-18 in an NFC divisional playoff game Saturday. The Packers didn't allow any sacks despite playing without injured All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, while Green Bay sacked Jared Goff four times. Rodgers called the Packers' offensive linemen “the stars of the game tonight.”“Definitely not happy,” Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers said. For Green Bay, Dillon injured his quadriceps when he fumbled. UP NEXTThe Rams' season is over.

They watched less than two weeks ago as the Seattle Seahawks loudly celebrated a division title the Rams felt they gave away. No team was better at limiting yards or points than the Rams (11-6) and they continued to torment Wilson and the Seahawks (12-5). The victory sent the Rams into next week’s divisional playoff round, likely at top-seeded Green Bay unless Chicago upsets New Orleans. His heart, his passion for the game is special,” Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth said. Seahawks: will head into an offseason filled with questions after winning the division but experiencing another early playoff exit.

Rams quarterback John Wolford, a Bishop Kenny graduate, looks to pass during the fourth quarter as he is pressured by Markus Golden of the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Inglewood, California. It ended with the inexperienced quarterback fearlessly leading the Los Angeles Rams back to the playoffs. Wolford passed for 231 yards and rushed for 56 more, producing many moments of excitement in place of injured Jared Goff. DEFENSIVENESSLos Angeles got a safety in the second quarter when Arizona left guard Justin Pugh held Robinson in the end zone moments after Cam Akers fumbled at the 1. Wolford racked up 47 yards rushing in the first half — more than Goff managed in any game of his five-year career.

FILE - In this Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 file photo, Los Angeles Rams quarterback John Wolford (9) gestures during an NFL preseason football game against the Denver Broncos in Los Angeles. Wolford will make his NFL debut for the Rams on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 against Arizona after nearly two full seasons as a backup in which he never took a snap. “It's a lot of hard work, and I'm confident in the time I've spent that has gotten me here. “I'm confident in John, but I'm also confident in the other 10 players around him. ... Los Angeles also activated LB Micah Kiser from injured reserve, but he won't play this week, McVay said.

Bishop Kenny graduate John Wolford of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to a team scrimmage at SoFi Stadium on August 29, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES – Jared Goff will miss the Los Angeles Rams’ season finale against the Arizona Cardinals after undergoing surgery on his right thumb. John Wolford, a Bishop Kenny graduate, will take his first NFL snaps as Goff’s replacement when the Rams (9-6) host the Cardinals on Sunday. Los Angeles will clinch a playoff spot with a victory, or if the Chicago Bears lose to Green Bay. Wolford has spent the past two seasons with the Rams after a solid season in the Alliance of American Football.

Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jamal Adams (33) reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Seattle. It was celebration time for Adams and the Seattle Seahawks. It feels great!”The Seahawks claimed the NFC West title on Sunday with a 20-9 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, carried by a revitalized defense and some clutch play from Russell Wilson. Seattle flustered Jared Goff, shut down the Rams’ run game, and held Los Angeles (9-6) to a season low in points. Now, Los Angeles is at risk of missing the playoffs altogether.

Coach Adam Gase got his first win of the year only after New York blew most of a 17-point lead in the second half. New York had a 13-3 lead at halftime after holding the Rams to 97 yards, and the Jets led 20-3 midway through the third quarter. Nsimba Webster’s huge punt return put the Rams in Jets territory moments later, but the New York defense held with help from penalties. INJURIESJets: DL Quinnen Williams left in the second half to be evaluated for a head injury. ... WR Jeff Smith injured his shoulder in the second half.

These Rams even looked good enough to contend for a chance at some actual Super Bowl redemption later this season. “We’ve got a lot of respect for them, but it’s a totally different year,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. New England managed only 220 total yards — just 62 in the second half with a series of misbegotten drives. Akers' yards mostly came in big chunks during the biggest rushing game by an NFL rookie this season and just the ninth 150-yard game against a Belichick-coached defense since 2000. But Young opened the second quarter with an interception by Donald's disruption up front, taking it all the way back for the third-year linebacker's first NFL touchdown.

Jeudy is active for the Bucs game as Denver quarterback Jeff Driskel makes his first start while Drew Lock recovers from a shoulder injury. Cardinals: QB Brett Hundley, WR Christian Kirk, RB Eno Benjamin, OL Mason Cole, OL Josh Miles, DL Leki Fotu. ___CHICAGO AT ATLANTABears: CB Duke Shelley, OG Arlington Hambright, NT Daniel McCullers, WR RIley Ridley, OLB Trevis GipsonFalcons: WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Browns: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CB Greedy Williams, LB Jacob Phillips, Olivier Vernon, Evan Brown and WR Rashard Higgins. Brown, CB Chris Jackson OLB Derick Roberson, C Aaron Brewer, TE Geoff Swaim, DT Matt DickersonVikings: WR Tajaé Sharpe, WR K.J.

Start with running back, where Giants star Saquon Barkley is believed to have torn the ACL in his right knee early in their loss at Chicago. The 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo tried to play through a right ankle injury before Nick Mullens took over for the second half. Tevin Coleman also left San Francisco's win over the Jets with a late knee injury. Along with Lock and Sutton, the Broncos lost defensive end Dre'Mont Jones to a knee injury in their defeat at Pittsburgh. Washington guard Brandon Scherff, who left early in Arizona with a knee injury, was among the offensive linemen hurt around the NFL on Sunday.

Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson, right, catches a pass against Los Angeles Rams' Troy Hill during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)PHILADELPHIA – Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes to Tyler Higbee and the Los Angeles Rams beat the Philadelphia Eagles 37-19 on Sunday. Goff completed his first 13 passes, including a pair of TDs to Higbee, and the Rams jumped to a 21-3 lead minutes into the second quarter. After the Eagles (0-2) pulled within one score, Goff’s 28-yard TD pass to Higbee in the fourth iced it for Los Angeles (2-0). The Rams took a 7-0 lead on Goff’s 4-yard TD pass to Higbee after Miles Sanders’ fumble on the third play gave them the ball at the Eagles 41.

Dak Prescott passed for 266 yards and a touchdown, but Dallas managed three points on its six drives in the second half. The opening of Rams owner Stan Kroenke's $5 billion stadium project was a historic night for the Los Angeles area, albeit one that should have been much more festive. Elliott tied it early in the second quarter with a 19-yard TD catch during which he ran through most of the Los Angeles defense. Van Jefferson's first career reception was a beautiful 31-yard grab in the second quarter, but it was the promising Rams rookie's only reception. Right tackle Cam Erving and tight end Blake Jarwin both didn't return from knee injuries in the second quarter.

Miami running back DeeJay Dallas, a Brunswick native who played at Glynn Academy celebrates his score against Florida State on Saturday. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Freshman Jarren Williams threw for a season-best 313 yards and two touchdowns as Miami won its third straight game against Florida State, 27-10 on Saturday. Miami has had an up-and-down season but secured a confidence-building win for Manny Diaz in his first year as head coach. Florida State coach Willie Taggart falls to 0-5 in rivalry games, losing four of them by double digits. Florida State plays at Boston College on Saturday.

Miami won the gameTALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State and Miami meet in what seems to be a must-win situation for both teams. "We're going to beat them,'' Florida State tailback Khalan Laborn proclaimed. And when asked about Miami's secondary and what was challenging about them, Florida State receiver D.J. Now Florida State has to back up the talk. He's on pace to become just the third Florida State running back with multiple 1,000-yard seasons, joining three-timers Dalvin Cook (2014-16) and Warrick Dunn (1994-96).

Florida State's D.J. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Cam Akers ran for 144 yards and tied a school record with four touchdown runs as Florida State routed Syracuse 35-17 on homecoming on Saturday. Abdul Adams and Moe Neal had touchdown runs in the fourth quarter for the Orange, who have yet to earn a win over a Power 5 team. Marvin Wilson had two of Florida State's season-high seven sacks. Florida State plays host to Miami on Saturday.

Akers is seeing things turn around for Florida State under second-year coach Willie Taggart. Some other things to know when Florida State plays No. 2 Clemson:"ROY" bus backThe Clemson coach dusted off his "ROY" bus metaphor where "ROY'' stands for "Rest Of Y'all." Dual quarterbacksFlorida State coach Willie Taggart said both James Blackman and Alex Hornibrook will play quarterback against Clemson. Fast startersBoth Clemson and Florida State have gotten off to fast starts this season.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Cam Akers scored three touchdowns and Alex Hornibrook came off the bench and threw a 60-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter as Florida State defeated Louisville 35-24 on Saturday. Akers ran 29 times for 112 yards for Florida State (2-2, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), which had 522 offensive yards. Hornibrook put the Seminoles ahead for good, 28-24, on a touchdown pass to Tamorrion Terry with 7:25 left in the game. Hornibrook, who had a first-quarter touchdown pass, stepped in and completed 15 of 20 passes for 255 yards. Florida State hosts NC State on Saturday.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Cam Akers scored three touchdowns and Alex Hornibrook came off the bench and threw a 60-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter as Florida State defeated Louisville 35-24 on Saturday. Akers ran 29 times for 112 yards for Florida State (2-2, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), which had 522 offensive yards. Louisville's Malik Cunningham threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the Cardinals were able to storm back for a short-lived fourth-quarter lead. Hornibrook put the Seminoles ahead for good, 28-24, on a touchdown pass to Tamorrion Terry with 7:25 left in the game. Hornibrook, who had a first-quarter touchdown pass, stepped in and completed 15 of 20 passes for 255 yards.

25 Cavaliers handed Florida State another gut-wrenching defeat. ``Anyone that was in the stadium today witnessed an amazing football game,'' Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall said. The Cavaliers (3-0, 2-0 ACC) stopped Florida State on the next three plays, and Bryce Perkins led Virginia down the field. Florida State has been outscored 52-21 in the fourth quarter. Virginia: The Cavaliers are at home against next Saturday night to face Old Dominion.

Associated PressTALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Cam Akers had a program-record 36 carries, the final one a 4-yard touchdown, as Florida State defeated Louisiana Monroe 45-44 in overtime on Saturday. Akers, a junior tailback, ran for a career-high 193 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. He also had a 44-yard TD reception for Florida State (1-1). ULM (1-1) had four touchdowns and a field goal on its final six drives of regulation to force overtime. Blackman had a pair of first-half touchdown passes as Florida State had scored on its first three drives and led 24-7 at the half.