Gerald Everett appeared poised for a breakout season in 2019. He overtook Tyler Higbee as the top tight end on the Rams late last season, putting together strong performances down the stretch.
To begin this season, he was playing more than Higbee yet again, which is why so many fans and analysts thought he could become a consistent producer at tight end. Though he had been playing well (37 catches for 408 yards in 11 games), Everett’s breakout was put on hold in Week 12 when he injured his knee.
During his three-game absence, Higbee did something no other Rams tight end had done before: He strung together three consecutive 100-yard games. He became a focal point of the offense, but with Everett set to return on Saturday night, will that change?
That’s a question only Sean McVay can answer.
Higbee was targeted 33 times in those three games, catching 26 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown. You’d have to tally Everett’s previous seven games combined (26 catches, 321 yards and one touchdown) to match the numbers Higbee put up in three starts.
But more importantly with Everett out, the Rams went back to more of a run-first attack. Higbee and Johnny Mundt were playing a lot together prior to Sunday’s loss in Dallas, with the Rams opting for a lot of 12 personnel instead of constantly utilizing three receivers, one back and one tight end.
The result was a brief resurgence from Todd Gurley and improved play-action passing.
Can that continue with Everett returning and Higbee’s snaps potentially being limited? It remains to be seen, but there’s a good chance Higbee won’t be on the field as much as he has been. In the three games prior to Everett’s injury, Higbee played 33%, 76% and 69% of the snaps. Since then, he played 91%, 97% and 86%.
The Rams had two of their best and most balanced offensive performances against the Cardinals and Seahawks, gaining 549 yards and 445 yards, respectively, in those games. The ground game was a big factor in each win, with Higbee and Mundt doing an excellent job blocking on the edges.
Everett will get his share of snaps. He’ll probably play about 50% of the offensive plays, many of which should come with Higbee also on the field. He’s not the blocker that Higbee or Mundt are, and with the Rams trying to establish the run, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for Everett to play less than usual.
Just don’t expect him to play only a handful of snaps in his return from a knee injury. He’ll have his chances to contribute, even if it costs Higbee some production and playing time.