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 loss to the Detroit Lions. The injury was confirmed by an MRI on Tuesday, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his recovery timeline.
The play that led to Higbee's injury occurred when Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw an incomplete pass intended for the tight end. Kerby Joseph, safety for the Lions, tackled Higbee and made contact with his right knee. After the hit, Higbee limped off the field and was unable to return to the game.
Over the course of the season, Higbee had been a reliable target for the Rams, accumulating 47 catches for 495 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns. At 31 years old, Higbee is a seasoned veteran who last fall signed a two-year extension worth $27 million with the Rams, securing his contract through the 2025 season. However, this injury puts his readiness for the upcoming 2024 regular season in question.
Reactions to the Injury
The incident has sparked conversations around the nature of tackles in the NFL. Kerby 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." His words reflect the inherent risks present in professional football and his lack of malicious intent behind the tackle.
Echoing this sentiment, linebacker Alex Anzalone commented on the tackle's nature, defending it as a necessary part of today's NFL gameplay. 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 to throw this ball and protect his own player." Anzalone also emphasized that no one wants to see players get hurt, underscoring the difficult balance between aggressive play and player safety.
Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson also defended Joseph's hit, suggesting that the responsibility partly lies with the quarterback to avoid placing the ball where a receiver could be vulnerable to injury. He stated, "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 Playoff Loss and Look Ahead
Despite the injury and the narrow 24-23 defeat, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed pride in his team's performance throughout the season. McVay shared his thoughts, saying, "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." His commendation of the team's efforts suggests a strong foundation for future growth despite the setback.
McVay also offered respect to the opposing team, stating, "Hats off to the Lions for finding a way to get it done. I got nothing but respect for that group." This sportsmanlike acknowledgment highlights the competitive spirit and mutual respect that exists between teams in the league.
Looking forward, defensive lineman Kobie Turner spoke about the team's potential, simply stating, "We're going to keep pushing." This resilience will be key for the Rams as they navigate the offseason and prepare for the next year without one of their key offensive weapons.
As the Rams organization and fans await further news on Higbee's prognosis and recovery, the focus shifts to how the team will adapt and overcome this significant loss. With the NFL being a league where the next man up philosophy is often invoked, the Rams will have to look to their depth chart and possibly the free agency or draft to fill the void left by Higbee's injury.
