Rams’ Higbee scores a TD in return for ACL, MCL tears

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – As Rams tight end Tyler Higbee prepared for his first game of the season, he reflected on the 11-month journey since tearing his ACL in Los Angeles’ playoff loss to the Detroit Lions in January and had torn his MCL.

Higbee said he’s not much of a crier but became emotional before the Rams’ 19-9 win over the New York Jets on Sunday while watching a video his wife put together about the injury and the rehab process .

Although Higbee finished the game with just one catch, it was an important one: an 11-yard touchdown from quarterback Matthew Stafford that gave the Rams the lead in the fourth quarter. It was the eventual game winner.

“I thought it was a great finish,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “I mean, he had some space on the sideline, but he was able to put his right foot on the floor and level the thing inside.”

According to ESPN Research, it was Higbee’s first touchdown in 392 days, and the veteran tight end said he “almost fainted” with excitement.

“It was very humbling, the love and support I got from those guys,” Higbee said.

After the touchdown, Higbee was swarmed on the field by his teammates, and the Rams sideline erupted. McVay said it was “as exciting as I’ve ever seen that a man could do what he did.”

“A lot of guys were so happy for him because of what he means to them as a teammate and most importantly as a person,” McVay said. “And he also happens to be a stud on the football field.

“But he embodies everything that is right about this team: mentally strong, physically strong, resilient, can respond to different things. I love him and it was a really cool moment today.”

And while Higbee said “it was great to be out there with his teammates,” he also said he’s kind of glad his first game back is “over,” “so it’s not necessarily about me.”

The Rams improved to 9-6 and remain in control in their fight for a playoff spot.