In Sunday’s divisional-round matchup with the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles defense will have to contend with a number of players, including quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide outs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. It looks like the Eagles will also play another receiver who was performing well before he had to be sent to the hospital during Monday night’s wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings, according to an update from Rams head coach Sean McVay.
According to McVay, tight end Tyler Higbee is anticipated to play during Tuesday’s news conference. In the Rams victory, Higbee caught five passes for 58 yards, including a huge diving catch of 23 yards. At one point, Higbee coughed up some blood, which led to him being brought to a nearby hospital and finally being declared out. Higbee subsequently exited the game with a chest contusion and was initially labeled as uncertain to return, according to McVay. At first, Higbee was described as being in stable condition. After being dismissed, McVay continued, he returned to Los Angeles with the club.
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As he recovers from an ACL tear sustained in the team’s wild-card loss to the Detroit Lions last season, Higbee has only participated in three regular-season games this year. Higbee caught eight catches for 66 yards and two scores in his little amount of action.
Higbee’s effectiveness in the red zone and against zone coverage will need to be taken into consideration by the Eagles. Higbee, who stands 6′ 6″ and weighs 255 pounds, is a target for Stafford because of his size advantage against defensive backs. Additionally, he is athletic enough to separate linebackers and box them out so he can make catches.
Conversely, this season, the Eagles have done well versus tight ends. They have given up just 68 receptions and the fewest receiving yards (591) to tight ends in the league, which is tied for third place with the Washington Commanders. Tucker Kraft, the starting tight end for the Green Bay Packers, was restricted to five catches for 26 yards by the Eagles in their 22-10 victory in the wild-card round.
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You can contact Chris Franklin at [email protected].