The Los Angeles Rams announced a handful of roster moves on Wednesday, including placing tight end Tyler Higbee, offensive tackle Rob Havenstein and safety Quentin Lake on injured reserve. That means all three of them will miss at least the next four games
Additionally, the Rams signed kicker Harrison Mevis from the practice square to the action roster, claimed defensive back Chris Smith JJ off waivers and signed defensive back Alex Johnson to their practice squad.
The Rams had been relatively healthy through the first half of the season, but the injury bug is now hitting them hard after a physical Week 11 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks that they came out on top of.
The hope is that Higbee, Havenstein and Lake will all be back sooner rather than later, but the Rams will need to manage without them for at least four weeks. Higbee suffered an ankle injury while Lake dislocated his elbow and Havenstein is dealing with both ankle and knee bursitis.
Week 16’s rematch against the Seahawks would be the earlier the trio would be able to be activated, meaning they will miss games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions.
L.A. has three other capable tight ends in Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Terrance Ferguson, so they should be able to manage without Higbee. And when Havenstein missed time earlier in the season, Warren McClendon Jr. did a nice job filling in for him at right tackle and will now get another opportunity.
Lake is a tougher player to replace as he plays the Star position and is one of the leaders of the Rams’ defense. Josh Wallace filled in for him in Week 11 and will likely get more opportunities moving forward, although the recently acquired Roger McCreary has some experience in the slot as well.
With Mevis being signed to the Rams’ active roster, he will likely continue to handle kicking duties moving forward after making all eight of his extra points the last two weeks.
Rams injured players expected to return before playoffs
While Tyler Higbee, Rob Havenstein and Quentin Lake are all dealing with significant injuries, none of them are season-ending and Sean McVay expressed optimism that all will be able to return for the playoffs. Lake immediately underwent surgery on his dislocated left elbow, so he is already beginning the process of trying to get back as quickly as possible.
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