Rams Week 15 snap counts: Henderson’s role evaporates behind Akers, Brown

Cam Akers has clearly emerged as the top running back in the Rams’ backfield over the last three games, leapfrogging both Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown on the depth chart. After getting 50 carries in Weeks 13 and 14 combined, he netted another 15 on Sunday against the Jets.

And even though he missed some time briefly with an ankle injury, he still played the most snaps of any Rams running back in this one. That was one of the biggest takeaways from the team’s offensive and defensive snap counts in Week 15, with only minor changes being made on either side of the ball.

Below, you’ll find the complete playing time percentages for each player on offense and defense.

Offense

Running backs: As previously mentioned, Akers led the running backs again with 36 snaps played, or 61%. That’s despite missing some time with an ankle injury before returning to the field again. Brown was second on the team with 16 snaps at running back, while Henderson’s role all but disappeared. He played just seven snaps and touched the ball twice for 3 yards. Akers deserves the bigger role he’s earned, but it’s surprising that Henderson is still playing less than Brown. Wide receivers: Robert Woods led all receivers with 90% of the snaps played, followed by Cooper Kupp (81%) and Josh Reynolds (76%). Van Jefferson only played 14 snaps against his dad’s team, and he was targeted just once. No other receivers got on the field with the offense. Tight ends: Gerald Everett was evaluated for a concussion at the end of the first half, but after being cleared, he returned to the field and picked up where he left off. He played 46% of the snaps, with Tyler Higbee missing only 10 snaps. They were the only tight ends to play Sunday.

Defense

Defensive line: Although it seemed like Aaron Donald wasn’t out there enough on the first drive, he didn’t miss many snaps on Sunday. He played 91% of the defensive snaps, tops among all defensive linemen. Micahel Brockers played 78% himself, with Sebastian Joseph-Day continuing to hold down the nose tackle spot, playing 49%. Morgan Fox (25%), A’Shawn Robinson (18%) and Greg Gaines (14%) rounded out the defensive line rotation. Inside linebackers: Troy Reeder was on the field for 95% of the defensive plays, continuing the trend of him playing most of the snaps. Kenny Young was the No. 2 linebacker with 30 snaps played, the only other inside linebacker to get on the field. Nothing changed here. Outside linebackers: Leonard Floyd remains OLB1, playing 88% of the defensive snaps. Justin Hollins was the No. 2 edge rusher with 38 total snaps played, with Samson Ebukam ranking third at 25%. Derek Rivers vaulted Ogbonnia Okoronkwo with 10 snaps played, compared to nine for Obo. Cornerbacks: Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill continue to pace this group with 65 and 61 snaps played, respectively. Darious Williams was the third corner, playing 77% of the snaps. David Long had been contributing on a handful of snaps each week, but on Sunday, he played just one snap. Safeties: With Nick Scott out, JuJu Hughes stepped in as the No. 3 safety. He played just six snaps, however, while John Johnson and Jordan Fuller never came off the field. Jake Gervase, who was called up from the practice squad, only played special teams.