Rams Tight End Tyler Higbee Suffers Torn ACL in Playoff Loss
In a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Rams, tight end Tyler Higbee sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the team's wild-card playoff defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions. The injury was confirmed by an MRI on Tuesday, casting a shadow over Higbee's future with the team and leaving his recovery timeline uncertain.
The incident occurred when Matthew Stafford, the Rams quarterback, threw an incomplete pass intended for Higbee. Kerby Joseph, safety for the Lions, tackled Higbee, making contact with his right knee. Following the hit, Higbee limped off the field and was unable to return to the game. This season, Higbee made significant contributions to the Rams' offense with 47 catches, 495 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
At 31, Higbee is considered a veteran presence in the locker room. His importance to the team was underscored last fall when he inked a two-year, $27 million extension with the Rams. With this contract, Higbee is set to remain with the team through the 2025 season. However, given the nature of his injury, his readiness for the 2024 regular season has become a topic of concern.
Community Response to Injury
The tackle that led to Higbee's injury has sparked conversation among players and fans alike. Joseph took to Twitter to express his sentiments, stating, "I’m praying for bro and his family. I don’t have no intention to hurt nobody and/or harm their career... All seriousness, this game we play is very dangerous."
Linebacker Alex Anzalone weighed in on the nature of the tackle, defending the action as a necessary adaptation to the rules of the league which emphasize player safety. He remarked, "Honestly, it's what this league is now. You have to go low, you can't go high and it's a clinic tackle, in my opinion... It’s a dangerous, violent sport. It’s legal to cut block DEs full speed while he’s blinded on run plays. The QB should know not the throw this ball and protect his own player." Anzalone highlighted the inherent risks of football and implied that quarterbacks must be mindful of how they expose their teammates to potential injuries.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson also defended Joseph's hit, shifting some responsibility to Stafford by saying, "If anybody on the Rams feels like it was dirty, well tell his quarterback don’t put the ball in a place where he can get his player hurt."
Rams Reflect on Season and Playoff Loss
Despite the loss and Higbee's injury, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed pride in his team's performance throughout the season. "I'm so proud of this football team. And the finality of it is still kind of... it doesn't totally resonate. But man did I learn a lot and really appreciate this group," McVay said after the game. He also showed respect for the opposing team, adding, "Hats off to the Lions for finding a way to get it done. I got nothing but respect for that group."
Kobie Turner, reflecting on the team's prospects, remained optimistic about the future, simply stating, "We're going to keep pushing." This sentiment echoes the resolve within the Rams organization to overcome adversity and continue their pursuit of excellence.
The Rams' playoff journey ended with a narrow 24-23 loss to the Lions, but the team's commitment to growth and improvement remains steadfast. As they look to the offseason, the Rams will undoubtedly focus on rehabilitation for Higbee and strategizing for the challenges of the next season.
The road to recovery for Higbee begins now, and the Rams community stands with him. The resilience shown by players, coaches, and staff suggests that while this season has reached its conclusion, the determination to come back stronger next year is already taking hold.