The Los Angeles Rams are entering Week 18 with little to play for other than seeding purposes. But if the San Francisco 49ers win on Saturday night, then their Week 18 game is meaningless.
Despite that, the Rams are trying to win with the starters, especially after back-to-back losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons. Winning over the Arizona Cardinals is important for the Rams, and fortunately, they're getting some help.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Rams are activating tight end Tyler Higbee, a veteran receiving option for Matthew Stafford, for Week 18 and the playoffs.
Rams get receiving TE back for Week 18, playoffs
"The Rams activated TE Tyler Higbee from injured reserve," Pelissero reported Saturday afternoon. With the Rams playing a little over 24 hours from the time of this move, Higbee is set to play in Week 18.
Terrance Ferguson is doubtful for Week 18, which makes Higbee's return all the more important. Colby Parikinson is a solid tight end option as well, but the Rams and Sean McVay have been running multiple tight-end personnel this season more than ever.
Having Higbee and the rest of the tight end room healthy is a big deal, and this news from Pelissero, that Higbee is being activated this week, is a very good sign.
Before this ankle injury, Higbee had 20 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran tight end, in his age 33 season, is coming back to the active roster for Week 18.
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The Rams could've waited a week to activate Higbee, but instead, they're bringing him back for Week 18. Even if it's a meaningless game, the Rams are trying to win, and Higbee would certainly help.
Currently signed to a $17 million deal that expires after the 2025 season, Higbee's last year in Los Angeles is not going to end with him on the injured list through the end of the year.
He's being activated for Week 18 and should prove to be a quality receiver for Stafford, especially with Davante Adams questionable, and the Rams' high usage of 12 and 13 personnel sets.
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