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LA Rams head coach Sean McVay
The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2025 season with four tight ends on the roster, something head coach Sean McVay has not done before.
Tyler Higbee is one of the longest tenured players on the team, being drafted back in 2016 when the organization moved back to Los Angeles and can be considered the greatest Rams tight end of all time, was the number one option for the teams’ offense entering this season.
The tight end was having a subpar season for his standard, having 20 receptions for 190 yards through 9 games before being placed on injured reserve. Still, Higbee had the most catches and yards in the Rams tight end room.
As any team would, the Rams brought next man up and it is the second-longest tenured tight end group who has been a shining light.
Colby Parkinson is the go to tight end for Matthew Stafford with Higbee sidelined. In the games since Higbee has been out, Parkinson has logged 59 yards and a touchdown on 7 receptions. Parkinson now has the third most touchdown receptions in the team and looks to be a key part of the Rams offense heading forward.
Sean McVay On Growth Of Colby Parkinson
GettyLos Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson
Colby Parkinson is in his sixth season in the league at just 26 years old and in the middle of his three-year, $22.5 million contract with the LA Rams.
The tight end is having a career year already logging a new career high in touchdowns — he also has the opportunity to record a new career best in receiving yards and receptions in a single season.
Sean McVay was asked about Parkinson’s growth in the teams’ offensive scheme and how the player was faring into the season.
“I think you’re looking at a guy that’s just more present, enjoying the opportunity,” the head coach said of the offensive weapon. “I think he feels really believed in and supported, which is the truth. Whether it be by his teammates, by his coaches, I think you’re seeing a guy that is very settled in his life overall…”
“I’m watching a guy continue to just play the way that he’s capable of, be so accountable where there can be improvements… [He’s] playing really well and doing a tremendous job influencing and affecting our game and our team in the right way.”
Future of Tight End Room
GettyTerrance Ferguson #18 of the Los Angeles Rams
When Tyler Higbee returns to the squad, it may likely bump Colby Parkinson back to the tight end two spot.
As mentioned, Higbee is the longest tenured tight end and has the most knowledge of the offensive scheme that Sean McVay runs. But it could spell something different for the other two TEs in the room.
The two other tight ends on the team, Davis Allen and rookie Terrance Ferguson, have the two lowest targets of our the position group and couple have those targets reduced.
McVay has mentioned that he Ferguson, who was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, will have a key part of the Rams season in the latter half of the season, but has yet to see much action.
Higbee is in the latter half of his career and could it call it quits at the end of the season, which could allow the other two to develop in the future.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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