Rams tight ends Tyler Higbee’s replacement will be prepared by Hunter Long and Davis Allen.
Tyler Higbee, a tight end, might not be available for the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Higbee has been sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a neck injury, which is the most recent injury he has been dealing with this season.
Higbee hasn’t had the best season yet, but he still has two touchdowns and 367 yards on 34 receptions. Higbee’s 367 yards rank fourth in the Rams offense, behind only Puka Nacua and TuTu Atwell with 34 receptions.
It’s important to remember that Higbee has struggled with an injury virtually every week this season, but he has persevered in playing every game and starting it all. The Rams have been rotating their tight ends a lot more recently, which suggests that they are aware of Higbee’s injuries. Over the past two weeks, Hunter Long and Davis Allen have both seen increases in playing time.
Higbee has seen a decrease in his offensive snap share over the last two weeks, despite having played no less than 87 percent of the team’s offensive snaps this season. Higbee only participated in 75% and 67% of the team’s offensive snaps in the previous two games. In contrast, Davis Allen played 13 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals, while Hunter Long played 22 and 33 percent of the team’s offensive snaps during that time.
Since the Rams haven’t been using more experienced players, this has been more of a rotation. Sean McVay’s offense has still used 11 players for 95% of its plays during the last two weeks. In other words, more playing time has been allocated to both Allen and Long.
Long has merely existed on the Rams roster as a name since Jalen Ramsey was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Long was injured for the majority of the offseason and started the season on injured reserve. There were significant doubts at various points throughout the offseason and even since the start of the season regarding Long’s ability to make the squad and see any playing time.
Once more, the Rams have used him more recently, particularly in the blocking role. In “gap” scheme runs over the last two weeks, Long’s run blocking grade is the second-highest among tight ends.
Although the sample size is small, Long has demonstrated some flashes as a barrier. Long will undoubtedly get more playing time in the offense if he can maintain his run game effectiveness. Brycen Hopkins has struggled in this area, which is why he is far down the depth chart.
In the unlikely event that Higbee is unable to play on Sunday, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Long play the majority of the snaps. Still, rookie Davis Allen will be another name to keep an eye on. When given the chance, Allen, who was selected in the fifth round of the draft, has displayed flashes.
With nine receptions, Allen tied for third place among tight ends in the preseason and showed impressive strength in contested catches.
He wasn’t considered a blocker at Clemson, but he is competent in that area. Although he still has room for improvement, which is what has prevented him from playing early in his career, it is crucial to note that he is willing.
Without Higbee, the Rams prevailed in two games during the regular season in 2021. Hopkins and Kendall Blanton filled in for him during those games. Hopkins and Blanton are not as strong a team as Long and Allen. Long may start against the Ravens as the primary tight end, with Allen entering the game only in limited running scenarios or on clear passing downs.
If the Rams’ starting tight end is unable to play, Long and Allen should be able to finish the job. However, there will be some drop-off from Higbee.