Darrell Henderson ready to run with Rams running back job following Todd Gurley’s release

The Los Angeles Rams released Todd Gurley so it’s time for Darrell Henderson to assume the starting running back job.

Darrell Henderson is ready to take the starting running back job with the Rams and run with it.

The Rams released Todd Gurley on Thursday afternoon after they were unable to trade the former Offensive Player of the Year.

Gurley’s health had been in question practically ever since he signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension that gave him a $21 million signing bonus and guaranteed him $45 million. The contract extension he signed had been in question since he signed. It was indefensible to give a running back that much guaranteed money.

Two years later, Gurley is gone and it’s time for Henderson to assume the starting job that once belonged to the 2017 Offensive Player of the Year.

The Rams traded up to draft Henderson with their third-round pick (No. 70 overall) despite the presence of Gurley. It was clear then that Gurley was not going to be with the Rams for the life of his extension.

After a standout career at Memphis that saw Henderson rush for 1,900 yards (8.9 yards per carry) and 22 touchdowns, Henderson fell into the laps of Sean McVay and the Rams. He was too good to pass up even if they had Gurley.

Henderson started slowly as a rookie with only 39 carries for 137 yards and zero touchdowns after seeing limited time in nine games.

Don’t let the box score production fool you into thinking Henderson isn’t ready for the job. He’s got all the juice to be a breakout star in 2021 and beyond.

The 5-foot-8, 208-pound Henderson may never carry the same type of workload that Gurley did due to his diminutive size. But that’s also a good thing because the workload that Gurley had is why he’s no longer on the Rams.

The Rams may look to free agency to sign another back to pair with Henderson and Malcom Brown or they could use a draft pick to add more youth to the position. But if you stashed Henderson in your dynasty fantasy football league, today is better than Christmas.

Check out some of the best runs Henderson had last year, albeit in his limited duty as a rookie.

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