The Rams hit Sunday's win over the Chargers with TE Colby Parkinson inactive (rib injury). That allowed Tyler Higbee to take the clear lead at the position in routes, but it didn't turn into meaningful opportunity.
More Routes for Higbee; No Production for Anyone
Higbee ran 19 routes among 26 Matthew Stafford dropbacks (73.1%) against the Chargers. That marked a jump from 53.3% in Week 7 and the fourth time he has exceeded 70% since the Week 3 game that TE Terrance Ferguson left early.
But Higbee drew just 2 targets and caught one for 14 yards. Davis Allen matched his 2 targets and caught both for 8 yards despite running just nine routes. Max Klare ran third among TEs, playing 46.3% of the snaps overall and running just four routes.
Parkinson spent the previous two weeks running a close second to Higbee in route participation but beating him in targets and receiving production.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Committee Makes it Uglier
Higbee's lackluster Week 8 bodes well for Parkinson maintaining a decent role upon his return, especially with soft pass defenses ahead at Washington and Arizona.
It might bode even better for Ferguson's upside once he's all the way back from an ankle sprain.
Ferguson's clearly the highest-upside player in the group. But he could easily face the same playing-time issues plaguing others week to week.
Ultimately, the crowd makes it an unattractive situation to tap for fantasy. We'll see exactly who's available and how healthy they are for the Week 9 visit to Washington. The Commanders have presented the second-best scoring matchup for TEs to date.
The following opponent, Arizona, ranks sixth-best.
