Imagine your favorite team’s starting lineup suddenly missing key players—and then, just as the season heats up, they’re eligible to return. That’s the situation the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in this week, as three of their starters—Tyler Higbee, Rob Havenstein, and Quentin Lake—are finally eligible to come off injured reserve after missing four games. But here’s where it gets controversial: with their replacements playing lights-out football, will the Rams even bring them back? Let’s break it down.
It’s been a month since Higbee, Havenstein, and Lake were placed on IR just before the Rams faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11. The NFL requires players on IR to sit out at least four games, and now that we’re in Week 16, the trio is technically eligible to return. But the decision isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Head coach Sean McVay has been tight-lipped about their return timelines, though he’s hinted that Lake, who underwent elbow surgery less than a month ago, will likely remain sidelined until the playoffs. And this is the part most people miss: even if Higbee and Havenstein are healthy, their spots on the roster aren’t guaranteed.
Why? Because their replacements have been nothing short of stellar. Colby Parkinson, filling in for Higbee, has been on fire, scoring six touchdowns in his last six games—including four in the four games Higbee missed. His performance on Sunday, where he caught five passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns, was his best yet as a Ram. Meanwhile, Warren McClendon Jr. has been a revelation at right tackle, stepping in for Havenstein and boasting the lowest pressure rate and fewest sacks allowed by any offensive tackle this season. Havenstein, who was struggling before his injury, now faces a real fight to reclaim his starting role.
Lake’s situation is more cut-and-dried: barring a major surprise, he’s unlikely to return this week and will probably miss the next three games, targeting a playoff comeback instead. But for Higbee and Havenstein, the Rams face a tough roster decision. Activating them would require cutting or demoting someone else, and with their replacements excelling, that’s no small feat. Remember the headache the Rams had figuring out Tutu Atwell’s spot after his six-week IR stint? This could be even trickier.
Here’s the bold question: Should the Rams disrupt their current momentum by bringing back Higbee and Havenstein, or should they stick with the hot hands? It’s a debate that’s sure to divide fans. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Rams should prioritize experience or ride the wave of their current success?
