Team news: Los Angeles Rams

On Monday, Rams head coach Sean McVay cited that recent success in response to a question about whether the Rams would consider dealing Cam Akers this offseason.

“Oh, no,” McVay said, via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “I think right now, with what he’s done continuing to build on that momentum, I think it’d be silly based on what a great job he’s done to think of it anything differently than him being a big part of what you want to be able to do moving forward.

The story summed it up nicely: there was a point this season when it looked like running back Akers had played his final snap for the Rams, but attempts to trade him didn’t go anywhere and Akers eventually returned to the lineup. Akers has run 64 times for 285 yards and six touchdowns over the last four games, including a 118-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Broncos in Week 16. As of now, Akers looks like he has a future with the Rams, especially since the team doesn't have a lot of draft assets. If the Rams can get back to their Super Bowl potential, Akers could have some fantasy value in 2023.

Wide receiver Ben Skowronek is out for the season after straining a calf muscle Monday night against the Packers.

Related players: Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Brandon Powell

The Rams are just trying to get to the end of the season at this point but lose yet another player to the IR. Jefferson and Atwell will look to lead the way at WR to close things out.

The nature of Matthew Stafford’s injury has led to some speculation about his future and he tried to put it rest this week. Stafford appeared on The Morning After podcast hosted by his wife Kelly and she said that she has told people that he will continue to play football, but that she felt people would rather hear it from him so she asked if he will retire.

“No,” Stafford said in response to his wife’s question.

Stafford is signed through 2026 and he is not expected to have surgery in order to address the injury this offseason. He was also limited last offseason by an elbow injury and the hope for the Rams is that he will have a smoother time getting ready to play this time around, the story went on to say.

Will Cooper Kupp play again this season? Sean McVay says he'd be "hard pressed" to see such a scenario.

It's not a surprise as the Rams have been hit with injuries this season and have no chance at a playoff run. The focus will be getting Kupp 100% for the 2023, with the hope of making another Super Bowl run on what will hopefully be a beefed-up and improved offense.

New Rams QB Baker Mayfield is expected to be active tonight vs. the Raiders, and there’s a real chance he plays. His role will depend in part on how John Wolford (questionable, neck) is feeling. Mayfield got in Tuesday night and is up to speed on the full game plan.

Mayfield was on the verge of being the worst active quarterback in the NFL this season, so trusting him with only 48 hours to learn a new offense would be quite the stretch. Tyler Higbee could be usable as a back-end TE1 option, but it's best to simply stay away from the Rams wherever possible.

One day after the Los Angeles Rams claimed quarterback Baker Mayfield off waivers, coach Sean McVay said the team was still working through the quarterback's status for the Rams' Week 14 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night.

Related players: John Wolford

During his news conference on Wednesday, McVay said Mayfield arrived at the Rams' facility only 14 hours prior. The coach said he "would lean toward" Mayfield being active for the game, but "whether or not that means that he would play or that he would be available in an emergency setting is something that we're going to continue to work through," the story went on to say.

New quarterback Baker Mayfield, who became a member of the team at 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday night, could play on Thursday night, when the Rams host the Raiders.

Related players: John Wolford, Bryce Perkins

Mayfield was rumored to be heading to San Francisco, but other rumors said the Rams would scoop him up to stick it to their division rivals. Others said the Rams have several prime time games coming up over the finals weeks of the season and Mayfield could be a way to keep interest in the fan base. Wolford is also dealing with some injuries so there is also a need with Perkins pretty much unproven. No matter what the reason, Mayfield is a Ram, and it's possible he jumps right into action on Thursday night, although it's probably a longshot. The team did send Mayfield the playbook to study on the way to LA, according to the story.

The Panthers are expected to release QB Baker Mayfield. He'll hit waivers when it's finalized later today.

Related Players: Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker

Carolina quarterbacks have been a dumpster fire this year and Mayfield will now have to find a new home for an improbable career resurgence. Like for the Panthers to come out of their bye week with Sam Darnold solidified as their quarterback down the stretch.