Comes up big with game on line

Higbee caught each of his four targets for 25 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-23 win over New Orleans in the NFC Championship Game.

Analysis: Despite playing just 39 snaps to Gerald Everett's 47, the third-year tight end had a massive impact on the outcome of Sunday's contest, hitting pay dirt from one yard out in the third quarter and later catching two passes on the game-winning drive in overtime. Higbee managed just seven catches for 94 yards in five games during December, but he did enjoy a productive stretch the previous month and has now bounced back strong with six receptions in two playoff games. Higbee and Everett figure to…read more

Makes season-long grab

Higbee secured his only target for a season-long, 36-yard reception during Sunday's 48-32 win over San Francisco.

Analysis: Despite starting Sunday's game, Higbee played fewer snaps than fellow tight end Gerald Everett for the second consecutive week. There appears to be a changing of the guard at the position with Everett carving out a larger and more consistent role in the passing attack over the second half of the season. However, Higbee's blocking prowess will keep him on the field, and he is a capable receiver. It's just unlikely he makes a significant fantasy splash in the postseason.

Grabs one reception against Cards

Higbee caught his lone target for 16 yards during Sunday's 31-9 win over Arizona.

Analysis: The tight end's reception came in the first quarter and set up a Robert Woods rushing touchdown on the following play. Higbee has started all 15 games and has garnered 695 offensive snaps this season, but that extensive usage has yielded only 33 targets on 216 receiving routes. While he's flashed potential in the passing game, fellow tight end Gerald Everett has clearly been the preferred target, and Everett has been particularly strong of late with 14 receptions for 103 yards over the past…read more

Disappearing act continues

Higbee caught both his targets for 14 yards during Sunday's 30-23 loss to Philadelphia.

Analysis: After a four-game stretch where Higbee turned 18 targets into 13 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown, he's now caught just three passes for 23 yards the past two weeks. Instead, it's been fellow tight end Gerald Everett -- nine receptions for 75 yards -- who has been more involved the past two games. With Everett clearly distancing himself in the passing-attack pecking order, it's difficult to trust Higbee in any fantasy setting heading into Week 16.

Sees little work in passing game

Higbee caught his only target for nine yards during Sunday's 15-6 loss to Chicago.

Analysis: Now two outings removed from a respectable three-game stretch consisting of 11 receptions for 128 yards and a score, there's little to be excited about with Higbee's fantasy outlook moving forward. His 27 offensive snaps were also fewer than fellow tight end Gerald Everett's 36, and Everett is the superior receiving threat.

Two catches in Motor City

Higbee caught two of three targets for 19 yards during Sunday's 30-16 win over Detroit.

Analysis: This was a disappointing showing from Higbee. He had put together a respectable three-game stretch with 11 receptions for 128 yards and a score entering Los Angeles' Week 12 bye. He did play 47 of 69 offensive snaps, which was almost twice as many as fellow tight end Gerald Everett, but it's still difficult to view Higbee as a reliable fantasy asset in most settings.

Tallies season-high 63 yards

Higbee caught six of seven targets for 63 yards during Monday's 54-51 win over Kansas City.

Analysis: With Cooper Kupp (knee) out for the season, Higbee has been more involved in the passing game of late. The tight end has hauled in 11 of 14 targets for 128 yards and a score over the past three weeks and projects to continue chipping in modest totals following Los Angeles' Week 12 bye. However, even though Higbee continues to play more offensive snaps than fellow tight end Gerald Everett (59 to 23 this week), Everett is proving to be the better vertical weapon.

Finds end zone against Seahawks

Higbee caught all three of his targets for 25 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 36-31 win over Seattle. He also played 50 of 65 offensive snaps.

Analysis: The second-year starter has been more involved in the passing attack of late with six receptions for 71 yards and a score over the past three weeks. Obviously, those aren't standout fantasy marks, and Higbee's upside likely will remain capped. Still, wide receiver Cooper Kupp (knee) has been ruled out for the year, so there's potential for the tight end to see his role in the offense grow down the stretch. Higbee and the Rams also draw a soft matchup Week 11. The Chiefs have surrendered…read more

Hauls in two passes for 40 yards

Higbee caught two of four targets for 40 yards during Sunday's 45-35 loss to New Orleans.

Analysis: The 40 receiving yards stand as a season high for Higbee, and he once again played more offensive snaps (42) than Gerald Everett (18). The third-year tight end also showed impressive athleticism on his 33-yard reception in the first quarter. Still, without increased involvement in the offense, Higbee's an unreliable asset in most fantasy setups.

Quiet again in Week 8 win

Higbee played 62 of 78 offensive snaps and caught his only target for six yards during Sunday's 29-27 win over the Packers.

Analysis: This was Higbee's first catch since Week 5, and he's recorded just six receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown all season. The third-year tight end continues to see the majority of playing time for the Rams, but it's not translating into fantasy success. Fellow tight end Gerald Everett remains more involved in the passing attack despite playing fewer offensive snaps, too. It's safe to fade Higbee in all settings at this stage of the season.

Continues disappearing act in Week 7

Higbee played 42 of 61 offensive snaps but failed to catch his only target during Sunday's 39-10 win over San Francisco.

Analysis: Higbee's now gone consecutive games without a reception and has just five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown for the season. Unless he suddenly becomes more involved in the offense, the third-year tight end out of Western Kentucky should be ignored in all fantasy settings.

Catches just two of four targets

Higbee played 53 of 80 offensive snaps but caught just two of his four targets for 26 yards during Sunday's 33-31 win over Seattle.

Analysis: Higbee continues to receive more playing time than fellow tight end Gerald Everett (16 offensive snaps), but Everett is making more of an impact in the passing game. If Brandin Cooks (concussion) and Cooper Kupp (concussion) are forced to miss time, or are limited, there could be more targets to go around. However, at this stage of the game, Higbee should still be viewed as an unreliable fantasy asset.

Suits up Sunday

Higbee (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Higbee will give it a go Sunday, but with a total of three catches (on five targets) for 38 yards and a TD in four games to date, he's only a fantasy consideration in deep formats.

Officially deemed questionable

Higbee (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Seattle, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Analysis: Higbee was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday, but coach Sean McVay said he expects the tight end to play Sunday. The 25-year-old backed up his coach's optimism with a return to practice Friday, albeit as a limited participant. A surprising Week 5 absence would free up snaps for Gerald Everett in an offense that has directed just nine targets to tight ends among 135 pass attempts this season.

Expected to play Sunday

Coach Sean McVay said Thursday that he expects Higbee (knee) to take the field Sunday in Seattle, Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: Per Hammond, Higbee has yet to practice since injuring his knee last Thursday against the Vikings. McVay must have some degree of confidence that a focus on rehab will be enough for Higbee to be ready for the Rams' upcoming visit to the Pacific Northwest. That said, Higbee would allay some concern about his availability with a return to practice Friday.

Misses practice

Higbee (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Analysis: Higbee suffered the knee injury in last Thursday's 38-31 win over the Vikings and remains hobbled six days after the fact. He'll look to return to practice at some point during the next two days to boost his odds of suiting up Week 5 against the Seahawks. Higbee's possible absence would free up more snaps for Gerald Everett in a Rams offense that rarely uses its tight ends in the passing game.

Not seen at practice

Higbee (knee) wasn't present for the portion of Monday's practice open to the media, Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: Higbee was able to return after injuring his knee in the first quarter of Thursday's 38-31 win over the Vikings, but it seems he's now having some trouble with the ailment. Gerald Everett would be in line for a major uptick in snaps if Higbee were to miss a Week 5 game in Seattle. Rams tight ends have accounted for just nine targets on 134 pass attempts from Jared Goff.

Returns to Thursday's game

Higbee (knee) returned to Thursday's game against the Vikings, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Higbee left the game in the first quarter, but the injury must have not been too serious as he returned before halftime. With Higbee back in, he and Gerald Everett figure to head up the Rams tight end corps going forward.

Questionable to return to Thursday's contest

Higbee is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Rams with a knee injury.

Analysis: Higbee exited the game during the first quarter. As long as he is out, the Rams will find themselves thin at the tight end position, with Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt the only other ones remaining on the team's active roster.

Catches both targets for 35 yards

Higbee caught two passes for 35 yards during Sunday's 35-23 win over the Chargers.

Analysis: While the stat line hardly jumps off the page, Higbee once again out-snapped second-year tight end Gerald Everett (77 offensive snaps to 21), and the depth-chart positioning appears locked in for the time being. Unfortunately, there hasn't been a lot of work in the passing game for either tight end. The Rams are averaging 34.0 points per game and leading the NFL in offensive yards with two teams still to play Week 3, so major shakeups are unlikely. Until proven otherwise, it's difficult to turn…read more

Hauls in first touchdown

Higbee played 64 of 72 offensive snaps and caught a three-yard touchdown pass during Sunday's 34-0 win over Arizona.

Analysis: The third-year tight end failed to secure his other target, so while it was great to see Higbee find the end zone Week 2, Sunday's touchdown stands as his only reception through the first two games of the season. He was still on the field for 64 offensive snaps compared to Gerald Everett's eight, so for the time being, Higbee's position atop the depth chart appears secure. Still, neither Los Angeles tight end profiles as a reliable fantasy option at this stage of the game.

Untargeted against Raiders

Higbee played 60 of 63 offensive snaps but didn't receive a target during Monday's 33-13 win over the Raiders.

Analysis: With Higbee's fantasy value already minimal, it was discouraging to see him uninvolved in the passing attack in Week 1. Still, he played 95 percent of the offensive snaps, so he clearly created separation between himself and second-year tight end Gerald Everett over the offseason. Everett did miss the majority of training camp and the entire preseason with an unspecified shoulder injury and likely still projects to be the superior receiver long-term, though. Additionally, with workhorse back…read more

Looking good at camp

Higbee has been one of the Rams' standout performers at training camp, Rich Hammond of The Orange County Register reports.

Analysis: A 16-game starter last year, Higbee was limited to 25 catches and 45 targets on 735 offensive snaps, as all the playing time didn't actually translate to running a high number of routes. He was sometimes used as an extra blocker on pass plays and at other times came off the field in favor of Gerald Everett (shoulder) on passing downs. Higbee reportedly is making a case for a bigger pass-catching role this season, but he still seems likely to share targets with Everett in an offense based around…read more

Rams tight ends coach Shane Waldron said Higbee had a good offseason, Kristen Lago of the team's official website reports. "I think with Higbee going into his third year, he's got a really good grasp, has had a good offseason and worked hard like he always does," Waldron said. "He's really bought in and is doing everything the right way all the time - provides a good option as a tight end in all three phases of the game, whether the run game, the pass game, and in the pass protection."

Analysis: Waldron also had good things to say about 2017 second-round pick Gerald Everett, who could challenge for a larger share of the workload in his second season. Rams tight ends accounted for only 49 catches and three touchdowns last season, with Higbee getting most of the snaps thanks to his solid work as a blocker. Everett offers more potential in the passing game, but he may have a tough time beating out Higbee for playing time in an offense based around Todd Gurley and an impressive trio of…read more

Higbee caught one of his two targets for just 11 yards during Saturday's 26-13 loss to Atlanta in the wild-card round. He did have a five-yard touchdown reversed by replay with 2:16 remaining in the game.

Analysis: The tight end clearly didn't complete the catch in the end zone, which was an unfortunate break for the Rams, as one play later they turned the ball over on downs and realistically sunk any chance of a comeback. Higbee took a sizable step forward in his second season with 25 receptions, 295 yards and a touchdown, including five catches for over 20 yards. However, those numbers hardly tilt the fantasy scales in most settings, and rookie Gerald Everett projects to be more involved in the passing…read more

Higbee caught both his targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 27-23 road win over Tennessee.

Analysis: The two receptions improved the sophomore tight end to a lackluster four catches for 22 yards through the past four weeks. While his diving 10-yard grab in the second quarter of Sunday's win showcased Higbee's athleticism and potential, he hasn't been involved enough in the passing attack to provide serviceable fantasy numbers in the majority of settings.

Higbee played 34 of 48 offensive snaps but wasn't targeted during Sunday's 43-35 loss to Philadelphia.

Analysis: After a respectable showing in Week 12 (three receptions for 48 yards) against New Orleans, Higbee has only been targeted twice the past two games. He remains atop the depth chart, but rookie tight end Gerald Everett has been more involved in the passing attack, including catching a touchdown last week against Arizona. While the changing of the guard might not fully happen over the final weeks of the 2017 campaign, the writing is on the wall that Everett will likely leapfrog Higbee for good…read more

Higbee (illness) doesn't carry a designation for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Mike Jurecki of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

Analysis: The illness prevented Higbee from taking part in practices Wednesday and Thursday, but the tight end was back for the full session Friday, which apparently convinced the Rams' coaching staff that he would be ready to go for the weekend. Despite quarterback Jared Goff taking a dramatic leap forward as a passer under the tutelage of first-year head coach Sean McVay this season, Higbee hasn't benefited much from the offensive renaissance, as he's hauled in a meager 21 receptions for 262 yards and…read more

Higbee missed Wednesday's practice due to an illness, Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: The illness could be a temporary concern, but Higbee's activity level this week will reveal its severity. On the season, he's been a sporadic contributor, surpassing 25 yards receiving three times in 11 games, despite earning nearly 75 percent of the offensive snaps.

Higbee caught all three of his targets for 48 yards during Sunday's 26-20 win over New Orleans.

Analysis: The bulk of Higbee's yardage came on a 38-yard reception where quarterback Jared Goff found the sophomore tight end in the clear. With just seven receptions for 83 yards and a single touchdown through four games since Los Angeles' Week 8 bye, Higbee offers very limited fantasy upside. It is worth noting that he's consistently played more offensive snaps and garnered more targets than rookie tight end Gerald Everett, though.

Higbee caught just one of his five targets for five yards during Sunday's 24-7 loss to Minnesota.

Analysis: This was another discouraging showing from Higbee. He remains atop the depth chart and played 44 of 59 offensive snaps Sunday, but the fantasy numbers haven't been there. The second-year tight end has just 18 receptions for 214 yards and a score through 10 games. He checks out as a desperation option in the majority of settings.

Higbee caught two of four targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 33-7 win over Houston.

Analysis: While the second-year man was on the field for 54 of 66 offensive snaps, he didn't translate his playing time into fantasy results Sunday. In fact, outside of scoring his first career touchdown last week, Higbee hasn't been a viable fantasy option. Quarterback Jared Goff is spreading the ball around through the air, and running back Todd Gurley remains the focal point of the offense, so despite slotting in atop the depth chart and receiving significantly more snaps than rookie Gerald Everett,…read more