Ravens Showing Interest in Rams Running Back

The Baltimore Ravens are trying to make do without J.K. Dobbins after he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

John Harbaugh insisted he likes the group they have at the running back position, although there are plenty of options in the trade market and free agency.

Now, the Ravens have inquired about Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Akers was surprisingly benched for the Rams’ Week 2 contest against the San Francisco 49ers, and now he has been thrown on the trade block for the second straight year.

Examining Cam Akers’ Fit With the Ravens

Despite Harbaugh’s comments on the current running back room consisting of Justice Hill, Gus Edwards, and Melvin Gordon, trade rumors have been thrown around constantly.

The Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, and Edwards led the way with 10 carries for 62 yards and a score. Lamar Jackson was second with 54 yards on 12 carries, and Hill added 11 carries for 41 yards.

But, taking a flier on Akers is worth the risk, especially given the expected low price the Rams will want for him. A late Day 2 or Day 3 draft pick should be enough to get the job done, and Akers has shown plenty of potential during his career.

In 2020, Akers put together a solid rookie season with 625 yards and a pair of touchdowns but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in 2021.

Then, in 2022, he put up career-highs in carries (188), yards (786) and touchdowns (7) despite the trade buzz. Glenn Erby of Ravens Wire also sees Akers as a potential fit for the team.

“Baltimore is solid at running back with Justice Hill, Gus Edwards, Melvin Gordon, and undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell. Still, Akers could complement Lamar Jackson while taking the Ravens’ offense to another level.” Cory Woodroof of For The Win also mentioned the Ravens as a viable option.

“The most obvious candidate for an Akers trade would be the Ravens, who lost J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending injury last week and could use someone with the versatility that Akers brings to the table.

He could fit in as a rotational back with upside in the passing game and help Baltimore’s offense better withstand Dobbins’ injury.”

If Akers does end up in Baltimore, he would likely be part of the committee approach until one of the backs emerges as the go-to option. Per the report from Jordan Schultz, a few other teams are interested, including the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who just suffered injuries to Nick Chubb and Chase Edmonds, respectively.