Los Angeles, CA – As the Los Angeles Rams push toward the playoffs with a strong 7-2 record, running back Kyren Williams is adapting to a more balanced workload that could pay dividends in the season's most critical moments. After two seasons as the team's primary workhorse, Williams is sharing carries with second-year back Blake Corum, while also expanding his role in the passing game. This shift, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay, is designed to keep Williams fresh without sacrificing the offense's potency.
Williams, who earned a Pro Bowl nod in recent years, rushed for over 1,100 yards in each of the past two seasons, finishing among the NFL's top seven rushers both times. He was the go-to back whenever healthy, often handling the bulk of important carries. This year, however, the Rams have introduced more variety in their backfield. Corum, a promising talent from his rookie class, has seen his snaps increase significantly over the last month, including a career-high 13 carries in each of the team's victories since their bye week. In the past three games alone, Corum has totaled 38 carries.
McVay emphasized that this isn't a demotion for Williams, who remains the starting running back and lead option. "Kyren is the lead dog," McVay said during a Wednesday press conference. "We have two backs that we feel great about. Kyren is the starting running back, but man, I have a ton of confidence in Blake Corum. He’s only getting better. This is going to be better for Kyren throughout the course of 17 games, and if you earn the right to play after that." Williams continues to receive about two-thirds of the snaps, aligning with the team's preseason targets, allowing McVay to maximize Williams' impact while minimizing wear and tear.
For Williams, the change feels like a smart evolution rather than a step back. He has only reached 20 carries in a game twice this season, compared to 15 such performances over the previous two years combined. Despite the reduced volume, his production remains elite: he ranks ninth in the NFL with 146 carries and 11th with 659 rushing yards. Williams expressed satisfaction with his current state, noting the benefits to his overall well-being.
“I feel great physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” Williams said. “I’m taking care of my body even better than I was last year when I was getting those 20-plus carries dang near every game, but I feel great.”
Williams also highlighted his growing role in the passing attack, a development that has added another dimension to the Rams' offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford, in the midst of an MVP-caliber season, has targeted Williams more frequently out of the backfield. Williams has caught 22 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns so far, putting him on track for career highs in all receiving categories. This marks a significant improvement from his early days with the Rams, when drops and interceptions were occasional issues.
“This year, Coach McVay and Matthew, I feel like they have more trust in me to be able to catch the ball and come out of the backfield,” Williams explained. “Early on in my (Rams) years, it seemed like I would always tip the ball, and it’d get picked off. I just wasn’t catching the ball because I was trying to turn up before I even caught the ball. Now I do see the trust. I see them knowing I can go out there and make those plays.”
Williams' receiving prowess complements Stafford's aerial assault, which has been bolstered by a revamped receiving corps. Stafford, who spent his first 14 NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions without a 1,000-yard rusher, now has Williams as a reliable dual-threat back for the third straight year. Last week against the San Francisco 49ers, Williams scored his fifth rushing touchdown of the season, bringing his career total to 30 in just 47 games. Among Rams running backs, only Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson (30 touchdowns in fewer games) and former star Todd Gurley (46) reached that mark faster.
Much of Williams' success stems from the Rams' dominant offensive line, which has excelled in both run blocking and pass protection. The unit has created wide lanes for Williams, often allowing him to avoid contact until he's well downfield. “They’re dominating the line of scrimmage and getting removal to where I don’t even feel like I’m getting touched until I’m 2 yards, 3 yards down the field,” Williams said. “When that’s where the first contact is made, we’re already ahead of the chains at that point. I just feel like it’s a little bit of me and a lot of my O-line.”
The Rams' offensive line has been a cornerstone of their surprising 7-2 start, particularly after a rebuilding year in 2023. Under McVay's scheme, the group has provided Stafford with clean pockets, contributing to his efficient play. Williams' pass-blocking duties have also been crucial, helping protect the quarterback during dropbacks. This synergy has made the Rams one of the league's most balanced attacks, averaging high points per game and ranking among the top rushing teams.
Looking ahead, Williams anticipates that the shared workload will keep him sharper for the postseason. “I feel like I’ve still got everything I need to be successful come Sundays, and that’s all I can ask for,” he said. With the Rams facing a tough schedule remaining, including divisional rivals like the 49ers and Seahawks, maintaining health will be key. Corum's emergence provides insurance, allowing McVay flexibility in game planning.
Injury updates from Wednesday's practice added some caution to the optimism. Wide receiver Davante Adams, acquired in a midseason trade to bolster the offense, sat out to rest an oblique injury sustained against San Francisco. McVay downplayed concerns, saying, “He’s feeling good, and I trust the man. He’ll be ready (for Sunday).” Defensive end Kobie Turner also missed practice due to a back issue, while cornerback Darious Williams fully participated despite ongoing shoulder problems.
The Rams' ability to manage these minor ailments will test their depth as they aim to secure a playoff spot. Williams' adjusted role exemplifies the team's strategy: leveraging talent across the roster to sustain performance over a grueling 17-game slate. If the trends continue, Williams could enter the playoffs not just as productive as ever, but potentially even more effective.
Beyond the backfield, the Rams' offense has thrived on Stafford's veteran leadership and McVay's innovative play-calling. Stafford's connection with Williams in the passing game has opened up opportunities for other receivers, creating a multifaceted attack that defenses struggle to contain. As the season progresses, Williams' evolution from pure rusher to complete back could be a deciding factor in Los Angeles' championship aspirations.
In the broader NFC West context, the Rams sit atop the division, two games ahead of the 49ers and Seahawks. Their next test comes Sunday against an opponent yet to be specified in recent reports, but the focus remains on building momentum. Williams, ever the team player, credits the collective effort for his individual success, underscoring the Rams' collaborative ethos under McVay.
As the NFL regular season hits its midpoint, the Rams' backfield dynamics offer a blueprint for workload management in a parity-driven league. Williams' story is one of adaptation and resilience, proving that working smarter can yield the same – or greater – results than grinding harder.