The Los Angeles Rams’ reliable tight end, Tyler Higbee, suffered a torn ACL and MCL against the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card. Since Higbee’s knee injury occurred in January, and the recovery time is generally around six to nine months (or longer), he could start the season on the PUP list and miss at least the first four games of 2024. If he does miss time, their tight-end corps must step up in his absence.
The Rams addressed the position in free agency by signing Colby Parkinson to a 3-year contract this offseason. They have a competition for the TE2/TE1 spot. One player has stood out throughout offseason workouts.
The Los Angeles Rams second-year player has stood out
Davis Allen has impressed throughout offseason workouts, including OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Many Rams reporters believe he could take over as the TE1 and become a star. Allen is coming off a rookie season where he did not play much, limited to 192 offensive snaps, but showed flashes, especially against the Ravens.
He played 15 games and started one in 2023, with ten receptions on 11 targets for 95 yards and one touchdown. He also had two receptions on two targets for 28 yards in the Wild Card.
He has already impressed their head coach.
Sean McVay praised Davis Allen during mandatory minicamp
“I thought Davis Allen took a tremendous step in the right direction,” McVay said. “The game makes sense to him. I thought when Higbee ended up needing a spell towards the latter part of the year if he missed a game, Davis filled in and he did a great job. Played big time in Baltimore, he played big in Washington, made some big-time plays in the Detroit game. I always loved watching his tape at Clemson where there’s certain guys you can just see have a feel.”
He will compete against a free-agent acquisition.
The former Seattle Seahawk TE will compete as well
Colby Parkinson will also compete for the de-facto starting TE job. Parkinson, a former Seahawk, played four seasons, primarily as the Y-tight end, who recorded over 600 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Outside Higbee, Parkinson, by far, has the most experience out of the remaining tight ends, with 54 games played.
Expect this competition to heat up during training camp and when they put the pads on. We will have a better answer regarding the availability of Tyler Higbee once training camp begins.
