Tyler Higbee's Season Ends with ACL Tear
In an unfortunate turn of events for the Los Angeles Rams, tight end Tyler Higbee has sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The injury occurred during the team's wild-card playoff loss to the Detroit Lions. An MRI conducted on Tuesday confirmed the extent of Higbee's injury, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his recovery timeline.The play that led to Higbee's injury was a pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford, which ultimately went incomplete. During the attempt, safety Kerby Joseph tackled Higbee, making contact with his right knee. The impact of the tackle was significant enough that Higbee limped off the field and did not return for the remainder of the game.
Higbee's contributions this season were notable, with the tight end securing 47 catches for 495 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns. At 31 years old, Higbee is a seasoned player who signed a two-year, $27 million contract extension with the Rams last fall. His contract extends through the 2025 season, but given the severity of the injury, questions arise regarding his readiness for the 2024 regular season.
Community Responses
The incident has sparked reactions across the football community. Kerby Joseph took to Twitter to express his concern, 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." This sentiment underscores the inherent risks associated with professional football, a sport known for its high-impact collisions.
Alex Anzalone, in commenting on the nature of the tackle, pointed out the dilemma defenders face due to the rules designed to protect players from high hits. "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," Anzalone remarked, highlighting the complexity of ensuring player safety within the current rule framework.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson also defended Joseph's hit, shifting some responsibility to 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," Gardner-Johnson said, suggesting that avoiding such injuries is a shared responsibility between the defense and the offense.
Rams' Playoff Exit and Looking Forward
Despite the loss and Higbee's injury, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed pride in his team's efforts 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 respect to the victorious Lions, saying, "Hats off to the Lions for finding a way to get it done. I got nothing but respect for that group."
The Rams' narrow defeat, with a final score of 24-23, marks the end of their playoff journey. However, the team remains optimistic about the future. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner spoke about the team's potential, emphasizing their commitment to progress: "We're going to keep pushing."
As the Rams look ahead to the next season, they will undoubtedly feel the absence of Higbee on the field. His injury serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport takes on its athletes. With the community rallying around him, Higbee faces a challenging road to recovery, hoping to return to the game he has dedicated much of his life to.