Running Back Woes: Rams and Lions Hit Hard by Injury Wave

DCM

David Chao, MD

2 min read • October 18, 2023

Posted in

NFL

In the months after running backs advocated for fair compensation, numerous injuries have weakened their case. Running backs endure substantial punishment, increasing their susceptibility to injuries.

Both the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions suffered numerous running back injuries last week.

Following the trade of Cam Akers, the Rams lost Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers to injuries.

Williams will reportedly miss at least three weeks with a right ankle sprain he suffered in Week 6, while Rivers suffered a right knee PCL sprain, leading to a 2-4 week absence.

By video, Williams was injured with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. He has a slight chance to return before the team's Week 10 bye, but the team may opt to rest him until Week 11.

Williams, the team's starting running back, has rushed for 456 yards on 97 carries with six touchdowns this season.

If both running backs are unavailable, rookie Zach Evans is the likely starting option. The Rams also signed Darrell Henderson, Royce Freeman, and Myles Gaskin.

Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs missed the last two games, and starting running back David Montgomery injured his ribs in Week 6 and is expected to miss approximately a week. Gibbs has a chance to play this week, battling a hamstring strain.

The Lions may give more touches to Craig Reynolds and Devine Ozigbo if Gibbs can't play.

Montgomery has rushed for 385 yards on 94 carries with six touchdowns this season, while Gibbs has gained 179 yards on 39 carries this year.

To secure long-term deals akin to Jonathan Taylor's contract with the Colts, running backs must demonstrate sustained health and high-level performance across multiple seasons.

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