JANUARY 16: Higbee did indeed tear his ACL, an MRI confirmed (h/t NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). He now faces a steep challenge with respect to recovering in full in time for the beginning of the 2024 campaign, one in which he will look to return to form and the team will aim to repeat this year’s offensive success in particular.
JANUARY 15: The Rams’ campaign came to an end on Sunday night, and Tyler Higbee is likely to face an offseason of recovery. The veteran tight end is believed to have suffered a torn ACL during the team’s wild-card loss, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Higbee suffered the injury after being hit by Lions safety Kerby Joseph in the fourth quarter. He had not made a catch up to that point in the game (with the play in which he went down coming on his lone target of the contest), but his absence nevertheless dealt a blow to the Rams’ offense. Schefter notes an MRI will take place today to confirm the initial diagnosis.
The 2023 campaign was Higbee’s eighth in the NFL, all of which have come with the Rams. The former fourth-rounder has been a full-time starter since his rookie season, and he has served as a consistent option in the passing game over the course of his tenure. Higbee has played at least 15 games every year, and his durability has of course been a key factor in his success. Assuming he has indeed torn his ACL, he will face a challenging recovery period to be available for the start of next season.
Higbee recorded his fourth consecutive season with at least 521 receiving yards in 2022, seeing a career-high 108 targets along the way. His production and continued importance to the team’s passing attack earned him an extension in September. The 31-year-old is under contract through 2025 as a result, with scheduled cap hits of $11.6MM and $9.6MM. A return to form would be a welcomed development as the Rams look to build off of this year’s offensive success.
Higbee had a smaller share in the team’s overall production this year, posting a 47-495-2 statline. The emergence of fifth-round rookie Puka Nacua into one of the the league’s leading receivers played a large role in that, of course, but having he, fellow WR Cooper Kupp and Higbee healthy will go a long way in ensuring offensive production moving forward. The latter’s health situation could be a key storyline for the team in the offseason, however.
Draft Brock bowers
Bowers will be long gone by the time the Rams get their pick.
He ain’t ever walking the same after that hit. Career over.
Hibee? Please proof read…. I hate to be that guy but come on now.
You hate to be that guy, but decided to anyway.
Everyone is thinking it, I am just saying it. A necessary evil, if you will.
Lost all respect for the Lions. Watched Vikings game thought he’s going to seriously hurt someone as I watched him keep going at the knees. Few plays later what happened. Now watching last night Joseph got another. He doesn’t think he’s a dirty player. Watching him it sure looks like he is.
Blame the league for preferring those hits. Any shoulder and above leads to a flag and fine. Small guys are not taking down big guys with midsection hit.
Dirty Detroit Defense! Out here ruining careers with these hits! They’ve injured some great players this year! Zero respect
You’ll delight in knowing the Pro-Bowl is once again featuring Flag Football.
Even you Rich, should see, helmet to the knee is probably not good.
The league want players to hit legs. Guys don’t really wrap up anymore but TEs out weigh most corners and safeties by 40-60lbs. They are not going to get them down hitting chest.
NFL does not want to get sued by mother’s and spouses for concussions after the player is done and possibly hurts themselves after.