Kyren Williams has been a revelation for the Los Angeles Rams offense ever since he was named the team’s starting running back during the 2023 season.
The 25-year-old tailback has had a prolific two-year run, totaling 2,443 yards rushing with 26 touchdowns on the ground, and 388 yards receiving with five more touchdowns through the air, earning a second-team All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl honors as well.
And while Williams, who signed a three-year, $33 million extension this offseason, is thriving in the lead back role for the Rams, he received a bit of bad news this week as offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur revealed the team’s plan for its running back room in 2025.
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“When you look back at it, and I know Kyren, he’d say he could go for double that — and if anyone could, it probably is him,” LaFleur told reporters, via Pro Football Talk. “It benefits everyone to make sure that you’re not just wearing someone down or overusing somebody.
“The plan is to split those up a little bit and distribute, whether it’s the run or the pass game, and making sure people are involved within the scheme. He’s a team guy. He’ll do whatever’s asked. When his number’s called, we all know Kyren is going to show up on Sundays.”
LaFleur’s remarks seem to indicate second-year running back Blake Corum will see an increase in his touches next season. The Michigan alum rushed just 58 times for 207 yards last season, and he could easily see closer to 100 or more carries in Year 2.
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Williams was responsible for 70.2% of the Rams’ total carries last season (316 of 450) — a stark increase from the season before when he had just 27.8% of the team’s total rushes (228 of 477) — and he was on the field for 87% of the team’s offensive plays, so it’s easy to see why the Rams would like to reduce the amount of wear and tear on his body over the course of the season.
However, getting fewer touches per game might not sit well with Williams’ fans (or fantasy football managers) given how he’s thrived as L.A.’s bell-cow back — he was third in the NFL in carries (316), fifth in rushing touchdowns (14), and seventh in rushing yards (1,299) last season.
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