7 bold predictions for the LA Rams in Week 16 vs the New York Jets

(6) - Don't expect too much from TE Tyler Higbee

When veteran tight end Tyler Higbee suffered a serious ACL injury in the Wild Card Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs against the Detroit Lions, the front office acted quickly and decisively in signing free agent tight end Colby Parkinson in the off-season. Parkinson played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, and projected as a young player who might take over the role as a starting tight end this year.

But through 14 games this year, he has not shown the inclination to do so.

It's not for a lack of opportunity. The Rams have played Parkinson in 535 offensive snaps this season, while giving TE Hunter Long 240 offensive snaps, and TE Davis Allen 267 offensive snaps. Since the Week 6 BYE, the team has committed to a rather aggressive rotation for all three players. Now that Tyler Higbee is returning to the active roster, should fans expect him to take over all of the offensive snaps?

I would be quite surprised if that happens.

Per Pro Football Focus, Tyler Higbee has averaged 32.6 yards per game over his last nine games. That seems like a fair expectation for him this week. He has been away from football for nearly an entire season, he is coming into an offense that has veered away from featuring tight ends in the passing game, and he joins a rapid rotation at the position.

Unless he gets red hot early in Week 16, look for him to do no better than his average.