Eleven months ago, Tyler Higbee tore his ACL in a losing effort against the Detroit Lions during Super Wild Card Weekend.
On Sunday, the tight end will take the field against the New York Jets, fully recovered from his injury as Los Angeles pushes for another postseason trip.
"It's been a long journey," Higbee said Friday after nearly a year of arduous rehab, per the team's website. "Some days aren't always the best, but just kept showing up and going to work. Those guys, our training staff, is the best in the business from my understanding. ... Big credit to those guys (who) helped me get back. The work has got us here."
The Rams have still performed in Higbee's absence, overcoming injuries to multiple other playmakers early in the season and rising from the 1-4 ashes to an 8-6 squad currently atop the NFC West.
However, the void he left at tight end has still been glaring.
With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua dominating targets, Colby Parkinson has been the leader in the TE room. He's had 29 catches for 288 yards and one touchdown, good for fifth on the team in those first two categories. Combined with Hunter Long's seven receptions for 60 yards and Davis Allen's 39 yards on six catches, the tight end group has contributed 42 catches, 387 yards and Parkinson's lone score.
Higbee, alone, bested those numbers across the board during the 2023 campaign with 47 catches, 495 yards and two TDs.
L.A. is sure to work him in slowly, but once he's rolling he's yet another weapon for the league's ninth-ranked passing offense, and any ramp-up period lines up well for him to be a sure contributor should the Rams reach the postseason.
For now, though, it's all about the game directly ahead -- Higbee's first time playing NFL football since last season's wild-card disappointment.
"My energy levels will be there," he said. "Maybe a little bit higher than a normal game day. These guys may have to throw some water on me to take the fire out of my hair. But we're excited."
