The Los Angeles Rams received a small but meaningful boost in training camp Monday as rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson returned to the practice field. The team’s second-round pick out of Oregon had been sidelined for more than two weeks with a groin injury, slowing what had otherwise been a promising rookie offseason.
Head coach Sean McVay described Ferguson’s return as limited but encouraging. “We were a little bit limited in regards to what he could do, but I thought he did a nice job with the few reps that he was able to get,” McVay told reporters. Ferguson suited up in full pads, though it remains uncertain if he will play in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Terrance Ferguson’s Rookie Offseason Has Been a Balancing Act for Rams
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Ferguson’s integration has been uneven, but flashes of his potential have been apparent since the spring. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur pointed to his consistency before the injury:
“Being a rookie, he was stringing together some really good days. It dates back to May and June with OTAs and up until his injury,” LaFleur said. “Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t been able to play tackle football yet. I think that’ll just be it. He’ll get himself healthy enough where he can just go play after play, stack some plays together and stack some series together where he can get his feet underneath him.”
The Rams have the luxury of depth at tight end, which has allowed Ferguson to rehab at a measured pace. Tyler Higbee remains the starter, free-agent addition Colby Parkinson has impressed, and second-year tight end Davis Allen continues to carve out a role. Ferguson currently sits fourth on the unofficial depth chart, but his long-term outlook remains strong.
Inside the building, belief in Ferguson hasn’t wavered. McVay told GM Les Snead after the draft that “from the first [expletive] time we put this guy on, there was a vision.” Higbee recently called the rookie “a great ball player,” while LaFleur praised his ability to find soft spots in coverage.
Analysts share the optimism. ESPN’s Ben Solak projected Ferguson as a potential TE1, forecasting 63 catches, 821 yards, and six touchdowns. FTN’s Daniel Kelley even tabbed him as the most productive rookie tight end in the league.
For now, the Rams are prioritizing patience. With veteran depth in place and McVay hinting at more two-tight end sets in 2025, Ferguson’s time will come. The flashes are there — the challenge is staying on the field long enough to build on them.
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