Bengals’ Game Plan For Week 3 Becomes Crystal Clear Following Latest News

The Cincinnati Bengals officially do not have to game plan for running back Cam Akers this week.

Per multiple reports, the Los Angeles Rams have traded Akers to the Minnesota Vikings for a swap of 2026 NFL Draft picks.

Akers was already on the outside looking in for Los Angeles as he was inactive last week. This move confirms the end of his time there, and both sides are moving on for the best. Akers will reunite with Vikings head coach Kevin McConnel, who was his offensive coordinator in L.A. from 2020-21.

Trade! The #Rams are sending RB Cam Akers to the #Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/tNtECO2P9E

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 20, 2023

This confirms what the Bengals likely already knew: The Rams’ starting running back is Kyren Williams, and they should expect to see plenty of him come Monday night. The Rams have given the ball to Williams at least 14 times in each of their first two games.

Los Angeles has produced a quality offense even without playing their former lead back in Akers. The Rams rank eighth in both Expected Points Added per rush and rush success rate so far this season. Sean McVay still runs a worthy scheme, and it has to be respected no matter who’s carrying the ball.

If anything, this move eliminates a distraction for the Bengals’ upcoming opponent. Cincinnati has plenty of business to address on its own end with Joe Burrow’s calf injury clouding over the city.