Head coach Sean McVay said Friday that Akers (Achilles) isn't likely to play in Sunday's game against the Ravens, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports. "I think next week looks like a more realistic goal, like we've had with him all along," McVay said.
The Rams may not give Akers an official injury designation for Week 17 since he hasn't appeared on either of their first two practice reports, but the 22-year-old nonetheless looks like he may be available only in an emergency Sunday while he works back from the torn Achilles' tendon he suffered in mid-July. Akers has made remarkable progress in his recovery thus far and hasn't suffered any reported setbacks since being restored to the 53-man roster Dec. 25, but the Rams may not be counting on him to be a contributor until Week 18 against the 49ers. Even if Akers is free of restrictions in that contest, he'll likely be playing second fiddle to Sony Michel, who has seized the lead role out of the backfield while Darrell Henderson has missed time in recent weeks before landing on injured reserve Tuesday with an MCL sprain.