Tyler Higbee sets new career-highs in only one half vs. Cardinals

Tyler Higbee set new career-highs in a single game in only one half against the Cardinals.

The Los Angeles Rams gave Tyler Higbee a four-year, $31 million extension back in September, making him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL. It was a surprising move by the front office, considering Gerald Everett has a higher ceiling at tight end, but Higbee’s potential is also apparent.

He showed it off in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, looking like a true No. 1 tight end for the Rams. In the first 30 minutes alone, Higbee caught seven passes for 107 yards and one touchdown.

He set new career-highs in receptions and yards, surpassing his previous single-game highs of six catches and 98 yards.

Higbee was doing it all, too. He was separating from defenders in man coverage on drag routes, getting open in the flat and making plays after the catch, and sitting down against the zone to get open for Jared Goff.

He’s regarded as a better blocker than receiver, but Higbee has the athleticism to do everything at tight end.

Watch: Jared Goff off to hot start, hits Tyler Higbee for TD

Jared Goff came out firing against the Cardinals.

Jared Goff went the entire month of November with zero touchdown passes, spanning three games without a score. He started December in much better fashion, throwing a touchdown pass on just the third drive of the game against the Cardinals.

Goff came out firing and red-hot, racking up 171 yards passing on 14-for-16 passing on the Rams’ first three drives. He capped it off with a touchdown pass to Tyler Higbee, who also got off to a great start.

The touchdown put the Rams up 10-0, as they were finally able to cap off a drive with a touchdown. Their first two possessions ended with a field goal and a missed field goal, so this score was encouraging.

The Rams had 200 yards in the first quarter alone, while holding the Cardinals to just 21 yards in the first 15 minutes.

Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett expected to play vs. Bears on Sunday

The Rams are expected to have both of their safeties on Sunday night against Chicago.

There were two surprise additions to the Rams’ injury report on Wednesday as they began their week of practice. Tyler Higbee was a non-participant with a knee injury, and Gerald Everett was limited with a wrist issue.

Sean McVay clarified on Thursday during his press conference that both players are expected to be OK and their injuries aren’t significant. If everything goes according to plan, they’ll be available against the Bears on Sunday night.

“They were just sore from the game. So Tyler has a knee and Gerald with the wrist. But really being more smart than anything with those guys, so Tyler today again will be – he was just out there in a limited fashion with the walk-thru. He’s going to miss practice,” McVay said. “And then we’ll have Gerald just be smart about that as well. Both of those guys, if things go the way we want, we’re expecting them to be able to play. We just want to be smart with them throughout the week.”

Higbee and Everett have once again shared the workload at tight end this season with Everett being the leading player at that spot. He’s caught 34 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns this season, playing 64.5% of the snaps compared to 43.8% for Higbee.

The Rams do know a few players they’ll be without on Sunday, though. Brandin Cooks, Rob Havenstein and Darious Williams have all been ruled out already.

[vertical-gallery id=625408]