The Rams are set to take on the Miami Dolphins this weekend, just two days before the NFL trade deadline. Los Angeles is trying to head into its Week 9 bye at 6-2, but it won’t be easy as only 3.5-point favorites over Miami.

In this week’s mailbag, I answer questions about the upcoming Rams-Dolphins tilt, discuss Cam Akers’ role and share my thoughts on what L.A. could do at the trade deadline this year.

So let’s get to the questions from Twitter.

What is Cam Akers' role moving forward?

It’s hard to see Akers having a significant role any time soon unless Darrell Henderson or Malcolm Brown either get injured or regress significantly. The Rams clearly like what they have in those two running backs, and there simply aren’t enough snaps to go around for a three-headed attack. Akers has potential, but Henderson is PFF’s top-graded running back right now and Brown is reliable in pass protection and in goal-line situations.

Big trade deadline deal coming?

I’m with you. I don’t think the Rams are going to make a big splash before the deadline for a couple of reasons. The roster looks good as it’s currently constructed, the Rams lack cap space in 2020 and 2021, and they aren’t exactly flush with draft capital; they don’t have a first- or fourth-rounder next year. They could add a linebacker or pass rusher, but no big names.

Will Rams tag John Johnson?

John Johnson will most likely hit free agency and leave the Rams for a big contract elsewhere. As hard as that is to swallow, it’s probable. The Rams have Jordan Fuller, Terrell Burgess and Taylor Rapp all under contract, giving them plenty of depth at the position.

As for trading Hill or Brown, it’s possible but not likely. David Long Jr. probably can’t be trusted to be a starter yet, and Brown wouldn’t net L.A. much in return to warrant a trade.

RB committee beyond 2020?

Malcolm Brown will be a free agent next offseason so that changes things significantly. After drafting Henderson and Akers the last two years, I can’t see the Rams bringing Brown back – or him wanting to return. I think it’ll remain a close competition between Akers and Henderson, with Akers possibly pulling ahead as the favorite on early-down work.

Is Jared Goff disrespected by national media?

I don’t get that sense. Pro Football Focus ranked him 11th in the NFL so far this season and I haven’t heard much chatter from other outlets suggesting he’s overrated or a bad quarterback. He’s certainly helped by Sean McVay’s system, but he’s also made plenty of great throws this season and has done a nice job avoiding turnovers.

Can Brian Flores go 2-for-2 against the Rams?

Brian Flores was the defensive play-caller for the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII when the Rams were held to only three points. Now he’s the head coach of the Dolphins and he’ll definitely draw off some of that success he had in the Patriots’ championship win two seasons ago. I think McVay will be more prepared this time around, however, and Miami doesn’t have the overall defensive talent that New England did.

Patriots trade targets?

None immediately stand out to me, at least not ones who would help the Rams. Their linebacker corps and edge rushers are not very good, which wouldn’t do much to help the Rams in their two biggest areas of need. I’d look elsewhere for potential trade targets, like Jacksonville and Minnesota.

Trade ideas for Rams?

One unrealistic trade I’d love to see the Rams make is acquiring Myles Jack from the Jaguars. He’s an elite linebacker and would give the Rams yet another star on defense, but he’d be expensive both financially and compensation-wise.

On a more realistic front, I’d give Takk McKinley of the Falcons a look. He’s a former first-round pick and would be reminiscent of the Rams’ trade for Dante Fowler Jr. two years ago.

Van Jefferson to become WR3?

https://twitter.com/NYknick4life/status/1322220288206086151

Unless Reynolds gets hurt or traded, I don’t know that he’ll overtake him as the No. 3 receiver. Les Snead and McVay both talked about Reynolds’ experience giving him an edge, and that it’s nothing Jefferson has done to cause his limited role. Reynolds is playing well and stretching the field for the Rams, so I don’t see that spot changing right now.