Rams' Davis Allen injury update silences questions before they start

Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen will miss time during training camp with a quad injury, said head coach Sean McVay on Monday, without providing any concrete estimate for a return.

Forgive Rams fans, including this one, for immediately wondering what this could mean for Allen's potential roster status as Terrance Ferguson and rookie Max Klare continue to impress in practice in a tight-end room that already features Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee.

Well, squash that thought. If Allen is about to lose his spot, McVay certainly said nothing to suggest that. In fact, he said the opposite: 

“You don't want to rush him back,” McVay said via beat writer Sarah Barshop. "Davis is going to be a big part of what we do this year.” 

Of course, that could be mere coachspeak. What's McVay going to do, throw his injured player under the bus? The good news is that, while McVay said Allen will need "some time," per Barshop, it doesn't seem like a serious injury.

And from McVay's other comments, it definitely sounds as if Allen isn't going anywhere - not, at least, if nothing significant changes between now and the start of the season.

Rams have plans for Allen despite speculation

It's not unreasonable to wonder whether the Rams might look to shed Allen, a pending free agent, given the depth in the room. Ferguson and Klare have multiple years of contract control. Parkinson and Higbee are established producers. 

Allen isn't quite at that level, despite coming off a career year in which he tallied 24 catches for 208 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to modest production as a receiver, he is a sturdy blocker and key rotational component of the Rams' heavy-personnel sets.

But in a room of five tight ends, the Clemson product is easily the odd man out. With everyone healthy, LA could explore trade scenarios involving Parkinson, given the low likelihood of retaining him as a 2027 free agent, but that would contradict this season's all-in mindset. 

With all that as context, McVay makes clear that Allen remains important to the Rams' offensive vision. Even granting all the reasons they could move on, this also makes sense with all the multiple tight-end formations McVay ran last season and should turn to again in 2026. LA is in a good spot at the position.

Five tight ends is a lot, to be sure, but if anyone can find a way to use them, it's McVay. Unless the injury prevents Allen from getting back into shape in time for the season or Klare looks like an absolute monster, his roster spot feels relatively secure. 

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