The “next man up” mantra has been uttered for years in the NFL. Players that are considered backups are told to be mentally and physically prepared to contribute at any moment.
Kendall Blanton’s moment came in last night’s NFC title game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. In the first half of the contest, Tyler Higbee — the starting tight end for the Rams — exited the game with a knee injury and was ruled out to begin the second half.
With Blanton being the only other right end on the roster, he logged 61 offensive snaps (79% of the team’s offensive snaps). And while some may have expected him to be tasked with a strictly run-blocking role, the Rams utilized Blanton in the passing game and he was highly effective.
