Tyler Higbee's Season Ends with Torn ACL
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has suffered a torn ACL, an injury that casts a shadow over his future in the game. The devastating blow came during a wild-card playoff loss to the Detroit Lions, a game that ended not only the Rams' postseason aspirations but also Higbee's current season.
An MRI conducted on Tuesday confirmed the severity of Higbee's injury, leaving his recovery timeline uncertain. As the tight end faces a challenging road ahead, questions loom regarding his readiness for the 2024 regular season. At 31 years old, Higbee's resilience will be put to the test as he works towards a potential return to the gridiron.
The Play That Changed Everything
The fateful moment occurred when Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford targeted Higbee with a pass that would ultimately fall incomplete. During the attempt, safety Kerby Joseph tackled Higbee, inadvertently hitting his right knee and causing the injury. The impact was immediate—Higbee limped off the field and did not return for the remainder of the game.
Despite the unfortunate outcome, it is important to note the context within which this incident took place. Joseph's tackle, while having unintended consequences, was not borne out of malice. In fact, Joseph took to Twitter to express his concern for Higbee, emphasizing that there was no intention to harm him and acknowledging the inherent dangers of football.
"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," Joseph tweeted, highlighting the risks all players take when they step onto the field.
League Reactions
The tackle has sparked conversations about the nature of modern defensive play. Alex Anzalone, commenting on the tackle, pointed out the fine line defenders must walk due to the rules of the league. "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," Anzalone stated, drawing attention to the complexities and split-second decisions defenders face.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson also defended Joseph's hit, shifting some responsibility to the offensive play-calling. "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," Gardner-Johnson remarked, underscoring the role of quarterbacks in protecting their teammates from vulnerable positions.
Rams Reflect on Playoff Loss and Higbee's Injury
The Rams' narrow 24-23 defeat at the hands of the Lions marked the end of their playoff journey. Head coach Sean McVay expressed both pride in his team's performance and respect for the opposition. "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 shared. He continued, "Hats off to the Lions for finding a way to get it done. I got nothing but respect for that group."
As for Higbee's contributions throughout the season, they were significant and impactful. The tight end finished the season with 47 catches, 495 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. His presence on the field will be sorely missed by the Rams, who had secured Higbee's talents through the 2025 season with a two-year, $27 million extension signed last fall.
Kobie Turner spoke about the team's potential despite the setback, hinting at a forward-looking mindset within the Rams organization. "We're going to keep pushing," Turner stated, a sentiment that will undoubtedly be echoed as the team regroups and looks to the future—one they hope will include a healthy Tyler Higbee.
As the Rams and their fans wish Higbee a speedy and complete recovery, the broader conversation about player safety and the nature of the game continues. In a sport where every snap can alter careers, the balance between competitive edge and player welfare remains a topic of vital importance.