Season-Ending Injury for Tyler Higbee
In a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Rams, tight end Tyler Higbee has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that occurred during the wild-card playoff loss against the Detroit Lions. The severity of Higbee's condition was confirmed by an MRI on Tuesday, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his recovery timeline.
The incident unfolded when Matthew Stafford, the Rams' quarterback, targeted Higbee with a pass that ultimately went incomplete. During this play, safety Kerby Joseph tackled Higbee, inadvertently hitting his right knee. The impact of the tackle forced Higbee to limp off the field, and he did not return for the remainder of the game.
At 31 years old, Higbee has been a valuable asset to the Rams' offense, ending the season with 47 catches, 495 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. His experience and performance have been significant enough to earn him a two-year, $27 million extension with the Rams last fall, securing his place on the team through the 2025 season. However, with this recent injury, Higbee's readiness for the 2024 regular season remains in question.
Reactions to the Tackle
The tackle by Joseph has sparked conversations around the league about the nature of such plays and their consequences. Joseph himself 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."
Alex Anzalone, weighing in on the tackle, defended the legality and technique of Joseph's approach: "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. And like I said, I do not want anyone to get hurt out there."
C.J. Gardner-Johnson also offered his perspective, shifting some responsibility towards the quarterback's decision-making: "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' Playoff Loss and Team Reflections
The injury to Higbee added to the Rams' woes as they suffered a narrow defeat to the Lions, with a final score of 24-23, knocking them out of the playoffs. Despite the loss and the grim outcome for Higbee, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed his pride in the team's overall 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 reflected. He also extended his respect to the opposing team, acknowledging their success: "Hats off to the Lions for finding a way to get it done. I got nothing but respect for that group."
Looking forward, Rams defensive lineman Kobie Turner spoke about the future and the team's potential, simply stating, "We're going to keep pushing." This sentiment echoes the resilience and determination that will be necessary for the Rams as they navigate the offseason and prepare for the challenges of the next year without one of their key players.
The road to recovery for Higbee will be a challenging journey, and the Rams organization, along with its fans, will be hopeful for his successful return to the field. In the meantime, the team will have to adjust and find ways to fill the void left by his absence as they look ahead to the 2024 season.