Tyler Higbee tore his ACL and MCL in January’s playoff loss to the Lions and though the Rams haven’t set a firm timeline for his return, he hasn’t been ruled out yet for the 2024 season. He remains on the PUP list and can be activated at any time if the Rams feel he’s ready to take the field again.
During Monday’s “Coach McVay Show” with J.B. Long, Sean McVay shared an encouraging update on Higbee. He said the tight end is “doing great” and he’s actually “ahead of schedule, if you will.”
“He’s doing great,” McVay said. “We’ve always kind of tentatively said at some point midway through the year is when you start to really see when he’s ready. I know he’s ahead of schedule, if you will, but it was a significant injury. His presence – he’s still been leading in his own way when he’s here. He’s just got such a contagious personality and a positive way. He’s got a play energy about himself that when we do get him back, it’ll be a real bright spot.”
It’s interesting that McVay said “when” the Rams get him back and not “if,” indicating that Higbee is on track to play again sometime this season. And it’s obviously good to hear that he’s ahead of schedule now nine months removed from the injury.
Colby Parkinson has been the top tight end on the depth chart in Higbee’s absence, with Hunter Long and Davis Allen also contributing, but getting Higbee back would give the Rams another playmaker on offense.
As the season progresses, Higbee’s potential return will be something to monitor.