The Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals have taken a completely different approach at running back this season. The Rams have rotated players throughout the year, while the Bengals have leaned heavily on their workhorse, Joe Mixon.
Now in the Super Bowl, the Rams will have three guys available who have started games this season: Cam Akers, Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson Jr.
Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday that he expects Henderson to play against the Bengals. He didn’t reveal how the Rams plan to deploy their trio of backs, but they’re going to ride the hot hand if one arises during the game.
“I think Darrell’s going to go,” McVay said. “So, you’ll have Cam, Darrell and Sony. You’ll be able to see a good, three-back rotation, based on how the game unfolds. The situations that arise will dictate which one you’re seeing. Like anything else, if we’re able to get into a rhythm running it, we’re going to go with the hot hand.”
Henderson has been out since injuring his knee in Week 16 against the Vikings. He’s had just seven carries in his last two games played and was unseated by Sony Michel as the starting running back even before getting hurt.
Akers has done a nice job since coming back from a torn Achilles, totaling 213 yards in his three postseason games on 59 total touches. Michel was still involved against the 49ers, partly because Akers banged up his shoulder in the win, carrying it 10 times for 16 yards.
It’s hard to see the Rams pulling a complete shift and going with Henderson over Akers and Michel on Sunday, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they do give all three players opportunities. Akers should still be the starter, with Michel operating on third down in pass protection and possibly short-yardage situations. Henderson is the best receiver of the three, so that could be a way to utilize him in this game.
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