Rams fans can anticipate first glimpse of Max Klare in Week 4 offense

Well, it took a while, but Los Angeles Rams fans should finally get to see one of the team's drafted rookies in real, live action this week against the Philadelphia Eagles. By all appearances, tight end Max Klare has beaten his peers to the chase.

Of course, it's not exactly a dream scenario. Terrance Ferguson is unlikely to suit up (ankle) and Colby Parkinson is possibly out as well (shoulder). Head coach Sean McVay confirmed Wednesday that Klare has a good chance for playing time.

Which makes sense given how much, in McVay's words, tight ends have become central to the team's offensive "identity." If neither Ferguson nor Parkinson can go, the Rams will lean on 11-year veteran Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and Klare. 

Max Klare in line make Rams debut (on offense) in Week 4

Technically, Klare has seen six special-teams snaps this season, but who cares? That's not what we're here for. 

Klare's versatility as both a blocker and receiver caught LA's eye in the draft, enough to make him the 61st pick and the Rams' second overall. At Ohio State last season, Klare brought in 43 balls for 448 yards and two scores. His stat line the year before at Purdue, his only other full year of college: 51 REC, 685 YDs, and 4 TDs. Solid. 

Despite Klare's smaller frame at 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, his physicality and toughness are what make him a prototypical Rams tight end. Even with Ferguson almost serving as a hybrid wideout, McVay calls his number plenty often in run-blocking schemes. 

No doubt that will be Klare's ticket to earn snaps as a route-runner. The 'No block, no rock' mantra applies to skill-position players on the roster, receiver, running back, or tight end.

And the Rams may well need him as a pass-catcher. Higbee is coming off an eight-catch Week 3 outing, but Allen is more blocking tight end than receiver. With Ferguson and Parkinson potentially sidelined, involving Klare could be all but unavoidable. 

He'll have to earn those reps, of course, something notoriously difficult for rookies to do in McVay's offense. According to McVay, Klare has "maximized" his chances in practice and "got a lot better throughout the course of camp."

He'll have an opportunity to extend that momentum on gameday, but he'll have to avoid early mistakes. Otherwise, playing time will dry up quicker than LA's perfect record fantasy this offseason. 

Ultimately the Rams may not have to rely quite so heavily on tight ends as in the last two games. McVay expects receiver Puka Nacua to play in Philadelphia, which would free up the medium and downfield passing offense and absorb targets.

Klare's involvement may be moderate, but it's worth looking forward to all the same.

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