The Los Angeles Rams are getting healthy at just the right time and on Sunday, they’ll get back a guy who hasn’t played a game all year. Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee is expected to make his season debut against the New York Jets this weekend, which will be his first action since tearing his ACL and MCL in January’s playoff loss to the Detroit Lions.
As one of the longest-tenured players on the team, Higbee is a leader in the locker room. He’s been just that even while rehabbing his knee, but the offense is excited to get him back on the field after a long absence.
Matthew Stafford spoke Wednesday about the impact Higbee can have on the Rams, not only with his skill set, but also his understanding of the offense.
“Obviously, a lot of experience within the offense,” Stafford said of what Higbee brings. “He is a guy that has been here for a long time. He understands what we’re trying to do on every play. He is a great energy guy. The biggest thing is I’m just excited for him. What an accomplishment to be able to come back from something like that and to be able to be available for us. His contributions are going to be between the lines, but also just out there on the practice field. His attitude is infectious and the way he goes about his businesses is amazing. We’re glad to have him back.”
Higbee has slowly been working his way back into things, practicing with the team for the last several weeks. The Rams are understandably being cautious with their veteran tight end, but simply having him out there in practice has helped ramp up the energy for the whole team.
“Ever since we got him back out there, he’s just a fun guy to be around,” Stafford said. “He loves playing this game, whether it’s his role on scout team the last couple weeks or with the offense out there running plays. He’s a guy that brings great energy.”
Sean McVay said the Rams are still “working through” the plan at tight end, now that they have four guys who are eligible to be active on game day. Assuming Higbee isn’t a healthy scratch, it could be Davis Allen who becomes inactive on Sunday, with Colby Parkinson and Hunter Long being the other two tight ends.
