Terrance Ferguson's new injury invites Rams to get creative with Davis Allen

"Barring any setbacks." That was the addendum Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay attached to the expectation that tight end Terrance Ferguson would suit up this week against the Commanders, for the first time since landing on injured reserve with an ankle injury in Week 3.

Sadly, a setback there was. Ferguson has been ruled out for the game with a hamstring injury, presumably suffered in Friday's practice following McVay's press conference. 

While Ferguson's long-term status is unknown, the immediate effect is to put more on the shoulders of the Rams' healthy tight ends. Colby Parkinson, who fought through injury last week against the Chargers, is also listed as questionable with a rib injury. 

Despite the massive bummer, it's also an opportunity for Davis Allen to continue proving himself and for the Rams to get creative in how they use him. If Parkinson sits out for a second straight game, it'll be Allen and Tyler Higbee leading the charge at tight end.

Rams could look to get creative with Davis Allen

Rookie Max Klare technically does exist, just not in the eyes of the Rams coaching staff. Perhaps he hasn't earned his way to real reps in practice. He could see a few chances with Parkinson out again, but don't count on it.

For his part, Higbee has faded since a strong start. It's possible that, like Parkinson, he is also managing injuries behind the scenes.

It's not like Allen will save the day as a receiver. He remains primarily a run blocker, and a very good one. He isn't the fleetest of foot, or the slickest route runner - even by tight-end standards. 

He's not going to replace Ferguson, LA's best pass-catching tight end, in that aspect. 

Much like McVay has reiterated in Davante Adams' absence, replacing Ferguson is not the goal. But in addition to keeping Allen on the field plenty often in blocking assignments, perhaps there is untapped potential in using Allen as a short-area security blanket and sneaky target down the seam. 

He's not exactly a blinking-red receiving threat in the eyes of opposing DBs, which can ironically allow him to sneak downfield unnoticed.

While Allen has a modest 12 catches for 91 yards this season, which actually puts him below last year's pace in total yardage, he showed up big in Week 7 against the Raiders. In the first game after Adams' departure to IR, Allen filled the red-zone void with his own pair of touchdowns. 

That's not to be expected every week, but targeting Allen a bit more often could make sense if Higbee remains on the lowdown (seven catches but for only 50 yards in his last three games). In any case, he should continue to see plenty of time on the field after logging 40-plus snaps in four of the past five contests. If Allen's going to be out there even more, perhaps the Rams get creative. 

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