The Rams found themselves down two tight ends ahead of Sunday’s 24-20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Promising second-year end Terrance Ferguson had already been placed on injured reserve Friday with an ankle sprain, then starter Colby Parkinson was ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff with a shoulder injury.
But despite being down to three tight ends and unable to run the 12- and 13-personnel sets that have invaded the offense, the Rams still got some productivity out of the position against the Eagles.
Veteran Tyler Higbee, the lifelong Ram brought back on a team-friendly deal in the spring, continued his reemergence with five catches for 67 yards. Only Puka Nacua had more receiving yards for the Rams on Sunday. This followed an eight-catch, 62-yard performance last week against the Broncos.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford targeted Higbee twice on fourth down against the Eagles, highlighting the confidence he has in the 33-year-old tight end.
Fourth-year tight end Davis Allen did not come down with either of his targets on Sunday, but he contributed in the run game.
Rookie second-round pick Max Klare only played one offensive snap on Sunday. Even with the injuries in the room, the former Ohio State prospect is still in the midst of his transition to the NFL.
“I’ve seen a guy that’s maximized a lot of opportunities in practice and done some things on special teams,” head coach Sean McVay said when asked about Klare on Wednesday. “Got a lot better throughout the course of camp. Hasn’t taken quite as many reps just because of the top-four guys for the most part being available.”
Nuts and bolts
Rams receiver Davante Adams crossed 13,000 career receiving yards with his four-catch, 32-yard performance against the Eagles. … Defensive tackle Poona Ford left the game Sunday with an upper-body injury but was able to return to play. … Receiver Konata Mumpfield also returned to action after a shoulder injury limited him in the first half. … Outside linebacker Byron Young set a career-high with his 2.5-sack performance against the Eagles.