Despite the disheartening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Los Angeles Rams received some encouraging news regarding the injuries of offensive lineman Rob Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbee.
Higbee Practicing With The Rams
Head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Tuesday morning that Higbee would return to practice for the first time since tearing his MCL and ACL against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Game in mid-January this year.
The Rams have struggled on offense particularly in the red zone and on 3rd down, which is where Higbee was a key member of the offense.
The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue noted that it maybe ‘sometime’ before Higbee returns to the lineup. But he must be added to the active roster within 21 days of returning — making the Rams second matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, December 12 his latest return game.
Havenstein Trending To Return Vs. Saints
The Rams may also finally get a chance to play thier intended offensive line starting five for the first time this season. Havenstein has been out since after going down late in the Seattle Seahawks game with an ankle injury. Word from McVay ahead of Week 12 had been that Havenstein was progressing in the right direction to return but this week he was listed as doubtful for the Eagles games and McVay said, “[Havenstein] just hasn’t made the progress that … He looks good, but he isn’t quite ready to be the Rob that we’re all accustomed to seeing? That’s why he’s listed as doubtful right now.”
While he as been out, his replacements have struggled in pass protection. Against the Miami Dolphins Joe Noteboom allowed six pressures. Against the Eagles, Warren McClendon allowed two sacks and three pressures. Kyren Williams has also struggled in the three games when rushing to the right side.
