Who is the TE1 for the Los Angeles Rams? 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee had 47 receptions, 495 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games last season. However, he suffered MCL and ACL tears during their Wild Card game against the Detroit Lions.

The recovery period for that injury could take up to a year. Therefore, Higbee might not be ready in time for the 2024 season opener against, of all teams, the Lions. The Rams might place him under the PUP list, rendering him inactive for the first four games in the upcoming season.

In that case, someone must step up and take his place. But who among the Rams' other tight ends will start in Week 1 of 2024?

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The Rams' Tight End Rotation, Minus Tyler Higbee

Without the eight-year veteran, the Rams' tight-end positions are filled by Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Hunter Long. They also added undrafted free agent Neal Johnson while having Miller Forristall and Nikola Kalinic under futures contracts.

The Seattle Seahawks selected Parkinson in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He joined the Rams this season after signing a three-year contract worth up to $22.5 million. Meanwhile, the Rams drafted Allen in the fifth round last year and acquired Long as part of the trade that brought Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins.

After playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Forristall was an undrafted free agent in 2021. Kalinic went undrafted in 2019 and played for the Indianapolis Colts three years later.

Colby Parkinson is Favored to Fill in for Tyler Higbee

Higbee will have a chance to earn his job back when he is healthy. But without a definitive timetable for his return, he might return late in the 2024 season. On the team, Parkinson will likely take his place as the Rams' starting tight end because of his experience and his contract.

They would like to see what he can offer, considering his deal averages $7.5 million annually, putting him in the top 20 among tight ends. Last season, Parkinson finished with 247 yards and two touchdowns while sharing minutes with Will Dissly and Noah Fant.

Geno Smith TO COLBY PARKINSON.

Touchdown Seahawks. 20-17 lead with 57 seconds left!!!! YES. YES. YES. pic.twitter.com/0GlQmZsYl4

— Seattle ON Tap (@SeattleONTap) December 24, 2023

Therefore, expect an increase in Parkinson's production this season as his playing time increases. However, he won't reach the level that top-tier tight ends like George Kittle, Travis Kelce, David Njoku, and Mark Andrews can deliver because Matthew Stafford must distribute the ball to Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, and running back Kyren Williams.

Parkinson could be a low-end TE1 or a high-end backup because he won't be the focal point of the passing attack. Given their offensive weapons, Parkinson might even be called to block more often.

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