LOS ANGELES — As the Rams (11-5) try to turn the corner from their first losing streak of the season, one of the team’s leaders will be back on the practice field.
The Rams opened tight end Tyler Higbee’s practice window on Wednesday, giving the veteran 21 days to return to the active roster. Wednesday was just a walk-through day for the team before Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals (3-13), but it still allowed Higbee back on the field working through the game plan with his teammates.
“It means a lot. He’s obviously always been a glue guy,” head coach Sean McVay said. “Not only with his production but just his competitive spirit.”
McVay said it remains to be determined whether or not Higbee – who has missed the past five games with an ankle sprain – plays against Arizona. That would be the Rams’ preference so he can’t get some game reps in before the postseason, but they will see how his body responds to practice.
Regardless, his presence as the team tries to rebound from Monday night’s disappointing 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons is impactful.
“He’s just an ultimate team player. I’ve loved every minute I’ve had playing football with Higs,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “Really, it’s just the human being, too. The human being that celebrates for everybody, has great celebrations himself, he’s great around the building. He’s just an awesome teammate.”
In Higbee’s absence, the Rams’ tight end room has kept chugging along. Veterans Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen and rookie Terrance Ferguson have continued to grow their roles in the offense as 13-personnel has become more prevalent in the Rams’ game planning.
But the group is excited to get their leader back, even if it leads to some shuffling in their rotation.
“I’m super excited for Higs to get the opportunity out there. It’s been a long time coming,” Ferguson said. “He’s one of those guys that’s super tough, been through a lot, continues to come to work every day. Not only elevates himself by working hard but he brings that whole tight end room up with his energy every day.”
INJURY REPORT
Wednesday was a busy day in the medical report for the Rams.
Left tackle Alaric Jackson (knee) was an estimated limited participant in practice, but McVay said he is expected to be back. Jackson’s absence against the Falcons was sorely felt as backup D.J. Humphries struggled to make a positive impact.
The Rams plan on opening safety Quentin Lake’s practice window on Thursday. Lake has missed the past five games after having surgery on a dislocated elbow. But the Rams don’t plan on having Lake available against the Cardinals.
“Just to get him out there on the practice field with the expectation that he’ll be playing in the first round,” McVay said.
Wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was estimated to not participate on Wednesday after missing the last two games. McVay wasn’t ready to rule him out against Arizona, but he said that the Rams want to be careful with him given the amount of stress receivers put on their hamstrings.
“He’s been running around looking good,” McVay said. “I wouldn’t say that he’s totally out for the game, but it’s more likely than not that he will not play. But again, he and Quentin, the goal for sure, I expect them to be ready to go for the playoffs.”
Running back Blake Corum (ankle), right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) and cornerback Josh Wallace (ankle) were estimated non-participants on Wednesday. Running back Kyren Williams (ankle), wide receiver Xavier Smith (chest), linebacker Omar Speights (ankle), defensive end Braden Fiske (ankle) and safety Jaylen McCollugh (hip) were all estimated as limited participants.
McVay said the Rams were not activating right tackle Rob Havenstein’s practice window this week as he continues to heal from knee and ankle injuries.