Tyler Higbee is fighting for more than a victory in the season finale

The 11-5 Los Angeles Rams have locked in a playoff berth after Week 15, but have struggled to an 0-2 record since. And it's the team's lackluster performance that has compelled head coach Sean McVay to break with tradition and start his starters in what amounts to a meaningless game in Week 18.

The brutal truth is that the offense has done just enough to win. The defense, on the other hand, has not. But offenses can win shootouts, too. This offense has not won shootouts in the past two games. Of course, the offense has been short of multiple starters, as many as five in Week 16. That appears to be changing, as veteran starting tight end Tyler Higbee is designated to return from injured reserve.

Higbee will find a new landscape when he gets back. LA has used his absence to lean heavily on his teammates, and Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and rookie Terrance Ferguson have responded better than expected. Still, Higbee knows that he is playing for more than a win in this season's finale.

Time for Tyler Higbee to trounce a defensive secondary

The truth is that Week 18 is more than just any ole game. This is the last contest for the defense to sync up all three phases of the game: Offense, defense, and special teams. And it's a final opportunity for oft-injured veteran tight end Tyler Higbee to trounce the secondary.

Head coach Sean McVay indicated that Higbee will be activated in time to play on Sunday. That will mean a shift of offensive snaps and targets, as the team will want to get Higbee involved often in Week 18. But that will also mean lightening the workload of other tight ends.


Ideally, the team should use Higbee's return to ease the demands placed on wide receiver Puka Nacua. But the offense needs to protect veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. And fans recognize that Stafford loves to throw Nacua's way.

Higbee's contract expires at the end of 2025. Right now, the tight end room appears to be saturated with talent for 2026 without the veteran. So if he wants to play for the Horns next year, he will need to showcase solid reasons for the team to bring him back.

Week 18 is more than any ole game for Tyler Higbee. It could prove to be his last chance to earn the right to return for 2026.

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