As expected, Tyler Higbee will miss at least the first four games of the season. The Rams tight end will be placed on the reserve/PUP list, as noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Higbee is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Los Angeles’ wild-card loss, so it was always possible he would miss the start of the season, and the team doesn’t expect him to be fully healthy for the first four weeks of the season anyway. While Higbee continues to recover, the Rams will look elsewhere for a tight end.

The 31-year-old has been a staple of Los Angeles’ offense throughout his eight-year career. Higbee has started every game he’s been used in since 2017, and he’s made 61 or more catches in a season three times. Although 2023 was a down year in terms of production, his absence will still be felt on offense this fall.

Los Angeles added Colby Parkinson as a free agent on a two-year, $22.5 million contract. The former Seahawk will take over the starting lineup while Higbee is on the mend, and the Rams’ TE duo will be an exciting part of their offense when the latter is healthy. Los Angeles also has Hunter long – acquired through a transfer last year – along with the 2023 fifth-round pick Davis Allen in the rankings. These two will play important roles at least until Higbee is activated.

The former fourth-round pick is under contract for two more seasons and will make $17 million during that time. $2 million of Higbee’s 2025 roster bonus is already guaranteed, so having him back at full strength long before next season begins will be critical from the Rams’ perspective. He should be on the field at some point this year, but for now, Los Angeles’ efforts to return to the postseason will take place without him.