PFF Analyst: Rams Could Pursue Benny Snell as Replacement for Cam Akers

The Los Angeles Rams received crushing news Tuesday that second-year running back Cam Akers had suffered a torn Achilles.

According to Pro Football Focus’ Nathan Jahnke, one potential replacement the Rams could pursue is Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell Jr.

“Benny Snell is one player to look out for with the Rams,” Jahnke tweeted Tuesday. “He’s probably the odd man out while Steelers have Najee Harris, Anthony McFarland, Kalen Ballage and Jaylen Samuels. Snell has been decent at outside zone and man runs which is mostly what the Rams done.”

Benny Snell is one player to look out for with the Rams. He's probably the odd man out while Steelers have Najee Harris, Anthony McFarland, Kalen Ballage and Jaylen Samuels. Snell has been decent at outside zone and man runs which is mostly what the Rams done.

— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) July 20, 2021

Snell saw limited opportunities behind James Conner the last two seasons, and will likely find himself in a similar situation with the arrival of Pittsburgh’s new bell cow Harris.

It is also unclear what role Snell could play in new offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s scheme. While McFarland and Samuels could find a niche on jet sweeps or as additional pass catchers, Snell’s outlook with the Steelers remains murky.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Snell has rushed for 794 yards and six touchdowns over his two seasons in Pittsburgh.

Aside from veteran Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles’ backfield depth is bleak behind Akers.