Tyler Higbee Suffers Season-Ending ACL Injury in Rams' Playoff Loss
Tyler Higbee's Season Ends with ACL Injury
In a devastating turn of events for the Los Angeles Rams, tight end Tyler Higbee has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The injury, which is a major blow to both player and team, occurred during the wild-card playoff game against the Detroit Lions.
An MRI conducted on Tuesday confirmed the severity of Higbee's injury. As ACL tears are known to be serious, the timeline for Higbee's recovery remains uncertain. This puts his readiness for the upcoming 2024 regular season in jeopardy.
The incident took place when quarterback Matthew Stafford threw an incomplete pass intended for Higbee. It was then that Lions' safety Kerby Joseph made a tackle, hitting Higbee's right knee. The impact from the tackle led to Higbee limping off the field, ultimately preventing him from returning to the game.
Over the course of the season, Higbee had been a reliable target for the Rams, accumulating 47 catches, 495 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. At 31 years old, Higbee is at a critical juncture in his career, especially considering the two-year, $27 million contract extension he signed with the Rams last fall. His deal with the team extends through the 2025 season, and this injury certainly casts a shadow over his future contributions.
Reactions to the Tackle
The nature of the tackle by Joseph has sparked conversations around the league about player safety and tackling techniques. Joseph himself took to Twitter, expressing concern for Higbee and clarifying his intentions on the field: "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."
Echoing this sentiment, Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone commented on the necessity of low tackles in today's NFL: "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."
C.J. Gardner-Johnson also defended Joseph's hit, shifting some responsibility onto the quarterback: "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 Loss and Team Morale
Despite the injury to Higbee and the subsequent loss to the Lions with a close score of 24-23, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed pride in his team's 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 stated.
He also extended respect to the opposing team, acknowledging their success: "Hats off to the Lions for finding a way to get it done. I got nothing but respect for that group."
Rams defensive lineman Kobie Turner spoke about the team's potential despite the setback, indicating a forward-looking mindset: "We're going to keep pushing." This statement suggests that while the loss and Higbee's injury are significant, the Rams are determined to grow and improve moving forward.
As the Rams navigate this difficult time, the focus will undoubtedly shift to rehabilitation for Higbee and strategizing for the team's future without one of its key players. The offseason will be crucial for the Rams as they assess their roster and make plans to contend once again in the 2024 season.
