Injured Cam Akers made incredible promise to Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers suffered an early setback when he tore his Achilles before the season, however he made and kept his promise to quarterback Matthew Stafford. Against all odds, the second-year running back made his way back into the lineup in a matter of months to help his team make a playoff push.

Matthew Stafford remembered the conversation he had with Cam Akers following the injury, commending the young star for his perseverance.

“I remember him telling me, ‘You guys make it to the playoffs and I’ll be back,'” Stafford said, per The Associated Press. “I just thought to myself, what a great mindset to have. There’s no chance in hell he’s going to be back helping us out.”

Although he held the same mindset throughout the recovery process, Akers admitted the reality of a return still took time.

“It was probably like three months when I knew (returning to play) was a possibility,” Akers said. “That’s when I would say I knew I was working to come back for this season.”

Not only did Akers make it back for the playoffs, as promised, he played the final week of the regular season. Although it was just five carries for three yards, along with three receptions for 10 yards, it inspired his teammates.

“I can’t think of another injury comeback situation that I’ve ever been around that’s even close,” Stafford said.

Matt Stafford on Odell Beckham

When Beckham first signed with the Rams, it came as a luxury, not a need. However, shortly after his arrival, star wide receiver Robert Woods tore his ACL in practice and left a massive hole in offensive production which needed to be filled. Quarterback Matthew Stafford broke down the impact of adding Odell Beckham this season and how he stepped up after the injury to Robert Woods created a need on the outside.

“We didn’t know we were going to lose Robert like that,” Stafford said, via NBC Sports. “It was such an unfortunate event for a special player for our team, a guy who meant so much to us. But I thought Odell did a great job of stepping in. His role was different than Rob’s was, but he’s embraced that role, he’s grown in that role. What we asked him to do, to come in and learn as much as he’s learned in half a season basically, and come out here and execute and still play at a high level.”