Why? If Akers can return and Michel is still a Ram, having a #2 or #3 with his skills in the final year of his contract would be fine. With less touches, less chances to get injured.
Some of my thoughts on this RB unit now & into the future.
If I were Snead/McVay I would
NOT plan for Akers or Henderson to ever be Ram's primary #1 RB due to the ongoing injury events.
If Akers were able to return close to what he was before the injury at some moment in time in the future of 2022 which is still an unknown it would be best that he would join Henderson as a secondary or tertiary RB at best. Going into the draft with the #1 RB yet to be determined.
I like Sony Michel a bunch, but I am sure this RB will be looking for his best financial contract in several months in March 2022. I seriously doubt that the Rams can be that team but it sure would be great to work out a decent $$$ 1 yr rental next season just to solve this Ram RB ongoing unhealthy issue.
2021 season RB injuries
Cam Akers- Torn Achilles Surgery/ IR'd
Xavier Jones- Torn Achilles Surgery/ IR'd
Raymond Calais- Foot FractureAnkle/Foot Surgery/ IR'd
Darrell Henderson- Ribs injury status unknown continues to be banged up.
Darrell Henderson is NOT Mr. Durability not even close.
DH has been placed on the injured reserve in both his first two NFL seasons. He finished his rookie season with 39 carries for 147 rushing yards and no touchdowns along with four catches for 37 yards. Last season he finished the season as second-leading rusher with 624 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns along with 16 receptions for 159 yards and one receiving touchdown.
D.Henderson has suffered injuries to:
Arm Elbow/Oct 20, 2019
Pedal Ankle (high) Sprain Grade 3/Dec 21, 2019
QuadThigh Hamstring Sprain/Aug 22, 2020
Pedal Ankle (high) Sprain Grade 3/Dec 27, 2020
Hand Thumb Sprain/ Aug 23, 2021
Ribs?/ September 19, 2021
Some will say that is normal for a starting RB...but DH has never been a starting RB before.