Jun 3, 2022; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) carries the ball during organized team activities at California Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The defending champion Los Angeles Rams were pummeled by the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 NFL season opener on Thursday night, and now they’re dealing with some unfortunate injury news.

Rams head coach Sean McVay announced on Friday that rookie running back Kyren Williams will have surgery for a high-ankle sprain suffered in the first quarter of Thursday night’s loss. Williams is expected to be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.

(The Rams lost a starting offensive lineman for multiple weeks as well.)

This news comes after Cam Akers had zero yards over three touches on Sunday night (which had the fantasy football world very frustrated). Darrell Henderson was the lead back for Los Angeles, totaling 73 yards over 18 touches (13 carries, five receptions).

Williams, 22, entered the season third on the Rams’ depth chart at running back after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame.

And with Akers — who’s been through a torn Achilles and most recently a soft-tissue injury — seemingly not trusted at this point by McVay, it’s possible that Williams would’ve played a real factor in the Rams’ offense soon.

Perhaps Williams will still get that opportunity this season, but it appears that will have to be at least a couple of months away.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

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