LOS ANGELES — Tyler Higbee’s designation to injured reserve came as a surprise on Wednesday. The Rams tight end had rolled his ankle against the Seattle Seahawks, but was able to get off the field on his own and the messaging didn’t seem overly pessimistic about his timetable.
But now the 10-year veteran is out for at least four games. Even in what has proven to be a talented and deep tight ends room, he still has led the group in production with 20 receptions for 190 yards, and he has led off the field as usual.
His absence clears Higbee’s usual 40-50% snap share for the rest of the tight ends – Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and rookie Terrance Ferguson.
As the Rams (8-2) have integrated 13-personnel into their offense the last month, Higbee, Allen and Parkinson have all had their snap share sit around that 40-50% sweet spot. Ferguson has been around 20% week to week during that time.
But he’s been efficient with his opportunities. On 54 routes, he’s been targeted 11 times and caught five passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. His 2.56 yards per route run is second among all tight ends in the NFL this season with at least 10 targets.
And now after Higbee’s injury, there might be more opportunities for the second-round pick.
“I’m ready for whatever the coaches ask me to do, whether that’s that or – like I’ve said before – that’s handing out water,” Ferguson said. “I’ll do whatever it takes for the team to win. … Whatever the coaches need me to do, I’ll go out there and do. So, looking forward to it.”
Ferguson had a slow start to the season after a groin injury limited him in training camp and set him behind on his rookie learning curve. This resulted in two healthy scratches in Weeks 3 and 4.
But as the season has progressed, Ferguson has become more comfortable with the run blocking and passing concepts that the Rams put on their tight ends, and the trust from the coaching staff has continued to grow.
“I think the guy continues to go to work and I think he enjoys playing. I don’t feel like any moment is too big for him and he’s only going to continuously get better. He’s smart too,” head coach Sean McVay said. “Our tight ends for them to do as many things as they’re doing, they’re really smart. There are going to be some great learning opps from yesterday. I love what he’s about. I love the guys he’s playing around. I’m really excited for how bright I think his future is.”
Without Higbee, it remains to be seen if the Rams continue to deploy 13-personnel at a similar rate against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4). But Ferguson believes that the three healthy tight ends can still provide that dynamic for the offense.
“It’s definitely a big loss for us. He is just such a great person to have around the room and when he’s out there, he does an exceptional job, being able to watch and learn from that guy. So not having him in the room right now hurts all of us,” Ferguson said. “But we definitely have the bodies, and I think the coaches are very confident in the guys we got.”
INJURY REPORT
Wide receiver Xavier Smith’s status for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay was still to be determined as of Friday morning, as he continued to go through concussion protocol, McVay said.
Wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) is expected back next week against the Carolina Panthers, McVay said.