THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- When running back Cam Akers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury before the start of training camp, it served a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Rams and their revamped offense, led by newly-acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford.
But the timing of Akers' injury gave the Rams ample opportunity to formulate a contingency plan.
The Rams moved Darrell Henderson Jr. into the starting role and with more than seven weeks until the season opener, had time to determine if some of their young talent -- second-year pro Xavier Jones and rookie seventh-round pick Jake Funk -- could quickly develop into larger roles.