Tyler Higbee: The Comeback Kid: Rams’ TE’s Successful Return to the Field Inspires Teammates

The Los Angeles Rams improved to 9-6 with a 19-9 win over the New York Jets in Week 16, which saw tight end Tyler Higbee suit up for the first time this season.

The nine-year veteran out of Western Kentucky played in his first game since tearing his ACL and MCL during the Rams’ playoff loss to the Detroit Lions last January.

Higbee wasted no time making an impact as he caught the game-winning touchdown with 10:17 remaining in the fourth quarter. Higbee’s teammates went crazy after he dove into the end zone for the 11-yard score.

Higbee said that he is grateful to catch a touchdown in his first game back and for all the support he has gotten, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:“

Just very humbling, the love and support I got from these guys and this team and the staff and just everybody,” Higbee said. “It was special, very humbling.”

Higbee added that he gets emotional thinking about the long journey he’s had and appreciates everyone who was there for him:“

Im not a big crier, but it is special,” Higbee said. “And did get a little emotional, just before the game, my wife put together a montage of just some clips of me being injured and going through some of the rehab process and stuff like that. And that was special. Seeing me with my daughter with a knee brace, not being able to walk very well, like that got pretty emotional. I’m not a crier, but yeah, it’s emotional seeing those guys, the love and support, it’s very humbling.”

Higbee’s touchdown was the only pass he caught on two targets against the Jets. It was the 23rd receiving touchdown of his NFL career.

Along with his game-scoring score, Higbee made some key blocks in the run game, which helped Kyren Williams rush for 122 yards and find the end zone.

Higbee received the game ball for his performance and also said he would bring his jersey home to remember a very special day. Higbee was selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. In his career, he has caught 354 passes for 3,613 yards across 126 games.

What’s next for Rams

At 9-6, the Rams now have a full game lead over the Seattle Seahawks for first place in the NFC West and can clinch the division next week.

The Rams will host the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night and end the regular season with a home matchup against the Seahawks.