Tyler Higbee's Season Ends with Torn ACL
In a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Rams, tight end Tyler Higbee has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The injury occurred during the Rams' wild-card playoff defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions. An MRI conducted on Tuesday confirmed the severity of Higbee's injury, casting a shadow over his recovery timeline.
The moment that silenced the crowd came when quarterback Matthew Stafford targeted Higbee with a pass that ultimately fell incomplete. It was then that safety Kerby Joseph tackled Higbee, inadvertently hitting his right knee and causing the damage that led to Higbee limping off the field, unable to return to the game.
Despite the unfortunate end to his season, Higbee had a productive year with the Rams, recording 47 catches for 495 receiving yards and two touchdowns. At 31 years old, and with a recent two-year, $27 million contract extension that keeps him with the Rams through the 2025 season, the question now is whether he will be ready to take the field for the 2024 regular season.
Community Reaction and Support
The incident has sparked comments from players across the league. Kerby Joseph took to Twitter to express his concern for Higbee and his family, emphasizing that there was no malicious intent behind the tackle. "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 inherent risks of football.
Alex Anzalone, linebacker for the Lions, defended the nature of the tackle by pointing out the dilemma defenders face in the current state of the league: "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." Anzalone also suggested that quarterbacks bear some responsibility for protecting their teammates by making safer throws.
Similarly, C.J. Gardner-Johnson chimed in, suggesting that the blame could be placed on the quarterback for putting the ball in a position that exposed Higbee to injury. His blunt assessment: "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 Run and Team Spirit
Despite the loss and Higbee's injury, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed pride in his team's performance throughout the season. The finality of the playoff exit has been tough to accept, but McVay acknowledged the valuable lessons learned and the appreciation he holds for his squad. "I'm so proud of this football team... But man did I learn a lot and really appreciate this group," McVay reflected.
McVay also extended respect to the victorious Lions, commending them for finding a way to win when it mattered most. "Hats off to the Lions for finding a way to get it done. I got nothing but respect for that group," he said, showcasing sportsmanship even in defeat.
Defensive lineman Kobie Turner spoke about the team's future prospects, indicating a positive outlook despite the setback. "We're going to keep pushing," Turner stated, signaling the Rams' resolve to bounce back stronger next season.
The Rams' playoff exit, marked by a narrow 24-23 loss to the Lions, closes a chapter on their season. As they regroup and look ahead, the focus will inevitably shift to Higbee's recovery and the team's potential for growth. With the support of his teammates and the broader NFL community, Higbee faces a challenging road to rehabilitation, hoping to return to the field and continue his career with the determination that has defined his time in the league.