Tyler Higbee's Season Ends with Torn ACL
The Los Angeles Rams have been dealt a significant blow as tight end Tyler Higbee suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the recent wild-card playoff loss to the Detroit Lions. An MRI conducted on Tuesday confirmed the severity of Higbee's injury, casting uncertainty over his recovery timeline.
During the game, a pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford intended for Higbee ended in an incomplete throw. It was during this play that safety Kerby Joseph made a tackle on Higbee, impacting his right knee and causing the injury. Following the hit, Higbee limped off the field and was unable to return to the action.
Over the course of this season, Higbee has been a reliable target for the Rams, recording 47 catches for 495 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns. At 31 years old, he remains a veteran presence on the team, having secured his future with the Rams last fall through a two-year, $27 million contract extension, keeping him with the franchise through the 2025 season.
However, with this recent injury, Higbee's readiness for the upcoming 2024 regular season is now a topic of concern. The rehabilitation process for an ACL tear can be lengthy and challenging, particularly for athletes in high-impact sports like football.
Reactions to the Injury
In the aftermath of the incident, there has been a considerable reaction from players around the league. Kerby Joseph took to Twitter to express his thoughts, 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 tweet reflects the inherent risks involved in professional football and his lack of intent to injure Higbee.
Alex Anzalone, weighing in on the nature of the tackle, defended Joseph's actions by saying, "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. And like I said, I do not want anyone to get hurt out there."
C.J. Gardner-Johnson also spoke out, suggesting that the responsibility partly lies with the quarterback, remarking, "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 Defeat and Team Reflections
The injury to Higbee came amidst a closely contested playoff game which saw the Rams succumb to the Lions with a narrow scoreline of 24-23. Despite the loss, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed his pride in the team, acknowledging the emotional impact of the defeat yet also recognizing the valuable lessons learned from their performance. "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 also extended 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."
Looking ahead, defensive tackle Kobie Turner spoke about the Rams' future prospects, emphasizing the team's determination to overcome adversity, "We're going to keep pushing."
As the Rams navigate the offseason, they will undoubtedly focus on Higbee's recovery and preparing for the next campaign. Meanwhile, the conversation around player safety and tackling techniques continues to evolve, with this incident serving as another critical example of the physical toll the sport exacts on its athletes.