In the last two weeks since Cam Akers was all but dumped by the Rams, Kyren Williams has barely come off the field. He’s played 131 of a possible 135 snaps since Week 2, and he’s already played the most snaps of any running back in the NFL.
The pace he’s on isn’t sustainable, and the Rams know that.
General manager Les Snead said Tuesday that Sean McVay wanted to get other running backs involved and planned to against the Bengals, but the way the game went prevented that from happening.
“I think going into the game, I know Sean and his staff wanted to get some of the other runners involved,” Snead said. “I’m pretty sure the way the game went, we didn’t play as many snaps on offense. Had a few drives in there where you’re three-and-out or you’re four and a turnover. Point being, the rhythm of the game kept us from rotating the backs, but I know that Sean and his staff – the objective is not to have Kyren play every Rams offensive snap and we definitely know he can’t make it.”
Plus, the Rams love Williams’ versatility so it’s been hard to take him off the field, with Snead complimenting his running ability and talent in the passing game as a blocker and receiver.
“There’s a tendency not to want him off the field, but you’re well aware he’s going to have to come off,” Snead continued. “And we also like what some of the other backs are doing and looking forward to seeing Ronnie Rivers carry the ball some, as well, because he’s done some nice things from OTAs to now.”
Williams has played a ton of snaps but he isn’t necessarily being handed a huge workload from a touch perspective. He only had 10 carries in Week 3, along with two receptions, after receiving 20 touches the week prior. His 47 total touches only rank 19th in the NFL, with his 39 carries ranking 22nd among all players.
Even still, he’s on pace to play more snaps than the Rams would like him to, and we could see more of Rivers, Zach Evans or Royce Freeman sometime soon.
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