Rams Face Crucial NFC West Test with Key Veterans Eligible to Return
As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for a high-stakes Thursday Night Football clash against the Seattle Seahawks, there’s more than just playoff positioning on the line. With both teams tied atop the NFC West, the outcome could swing the division race dramatically. And for the Rams, the timing couldn’t be more intriguing - two veteran cornerstones, tight end Tyler Higbee and right tackle Rob Havenstein, are now eligible to return from injured reserve.
But with a short week and limited practice time, head coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur are playing it close to the vest.
Higbee and Havenstein: Eligible, But Not a Lock
Tyler Higbee and Rob Havenstein have each missed the required four games since landing on IR, making them eligible to return. But eligibility doesn’t guarantee activation - especially on a short week with just a walkthrough practice before kickoff.
LaFleur kept things vague when asked about their status, saying only that it’s a decision they’ll discuss later in the day. That’s not exactly a green light, but it’s not a red one either. The Rams are clearly weighing the risks of rushing veterans back against the reward of having their experience on the field in a game that could decide the division.
Higbee has long been a trusted option for Matthew Stafford, especially in 13 personnel looks where the Rams lean into their run game and play-action. In nine games this season, he’s posted 20 catches for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns - not eye-popping numbers, but his value goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s a steady presence in the red zone and a reliable blocker in tight formations.
As for Havenstein, he’s been one of the most consistent pieces on the Rams’ offensive line. In seven games this year, he’s allowed just one sack - exactly the kind of stability you want protecting your quarterback’s right side against a Seahawks front that can bring pressure.
Next Man Up: Parkinson and McClendon Shine
Here’s the twist: the Rams haven’t just survived without Higbee and Havenstein - they’ve thrived.
Colby Parkinson has stepped into the TE1 role and made the most of it. In the four games since Higbee went down, Parkinson has put up 175 receiving yards and four touchdowns. That nearly mirrors Higbee’s season-long production, and it’s come at a time when the Rams needed someone to step up in the passing game.
At right tackle, Warren McClendon has been a revelation. After a rocky rookie campaign in 2024, he’s taken a massive leap forward. Through 14 games, McClendon has allowed zero sacks and just four pressures - a stat line that speaks volumes about both his development and the work of the Rams’ coaching staff.
The numbers back it up. With Parkinson in the lineup, the Rams’ 13 personnel packages have actually been more efficient - averaging 6.84 yards per play compared to 4.75 with Higbee.
The success rate has jumped from 47.8% to 65.5%. And the ground game?
It’s been more explosive too, with yards per carry rising from 4.11 to 4.60 without Havenstein.
Still, this isn’t just a numbers game. Higbee’s chemistry with Stafford and Havenstein’s veteran savvy in pass protection are hard to replicate. The Rams have a good problem on their hands - deciding whether to stick with what’s working or reintroduce two proven veterans ahead of a critical matchup.
Quentin Lake’s Recovery Still Ongoing
While Higbee and Havenstein are inching toward a return, safety Quentin Lake is likely further out. After undergoing elbow surgery less than a month ago, the Rams are taking a cautious approach with his recovery. McVay has made it clear they won’t rush him back before he’s ready.
The hope is that Lake could be available for the postseason, but for now, the focus remains on the players who might be able to contribute against Seattle.
Division on the Line
This game isn’t just another Thursday night matchup - it’s a potential turning point in the NFC West. With the Rams and Seahawks tied atop the division, the winner will take sole possession of first place.
The loser? They could find themselves slipping into a crowded wild card race.
That’s why the potential returns of Higbee and Havenstein are so significant. In a game likely to come down to a few key plays - third-and-shorts, red-zone trips, pass protection under pressure - having experienced players who’ve been in those moments before could be the difference.
LaFleur acknowledged that even limited snaps from the two veterans could provide a boost: “Those players bring a lot of experience and understanding of our system. Getting them back, even in a limited capacity, could give us an edge in critical moments.”
Roster Decisions Loom
Of course, bringing either player back means someone else has to sit. The Rams have managed these roster dynamics before - most recently with Tutu Atwell - but it’s never easy. Parkinson and McClendon have earned their reps, and the coaching staff has to balance rewarding that production with the upside of reintegrating two proven veterans.
It’s a delicate dance between continuity and upside, short-term gains and long-term health. And with the playoffs on the horizon, every roster move matters.
Looking Ahead
With three games left in the regular season, the Rams are in prime position to make a push for a first-round bye. That road gets a lot smoother with a win over Seattle. And if Davante Adams remains sidelined with a lingering hamstring issue, the offense will need every bit of help it can get.
That’s where Higbee and Havenstein come in. Whether they suit up this week or not, their return is on the horizon - and it could be the jolt this Rams team needs to close out the season strong.
For now, all eyes are on Thursday night. The division is up for grabs, and the Rams are walking the tightrope between health, momentum, and playoff readiness.