Los Angeles Rams Weapons Tyler Higbee, Tutu Atwell Full Participants Ahead of Week 15

The Los Angeles Rams are getting healthy at the right time. Full participation from TE Tyler Higbee and WR Tutu Atwell bode well for their pivotal Week 15 matchup.

Late-season football is as much a war of attrition as it is a battle of wills and a schematic chess match.

On Friday, the Los Angeles Rams received some good news on the injury front. Two of Los Angeles’ ancillary targets, tight end Tyler Higbee and receiver Tutu Atwell were full participants at practice, clearing a path to playing on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.

Rams TE Tyler Higbee celebrates into the end zone against the Denver Broncos / © Kirby Lee, USA TODAY

Higbee, who is dealing with a neck injury, is “trending up” in the words of head coach Sean McVay. He’s expected to play, filling a hole filled (admirably so) by rookie tight end Davis Allen. Even so, a target who has a rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford is a nice addition to an offense that may be asked to put points up in bunches.

Atwell, who entered concussion protocol after sustaining a hit on an incomplete pass, also received an optimistic outlook from McVay.

“He’ll be questionable for the game, but he’s going to take part in individual and then we’ll see what that leaves for his game status,” McVay said. “He has not cleared the full protocol quite yet. There are still some steps that he needs to be able to go through and then we’ll see where we are at if that’s taken care of.”

While the green light hasn’t been given for the game, it is a good sign that he is far enough into the league’s concussion protocol to be a full participant.

Rams vs. Commanders Preview: Playoff Push Intensifies

If he can go, he’ll give Los Angeles yet another option to create explosive plays. He’s been featured on gadget plays meant to get him in space but has found his fair share of downfield targets, too.

Having a full arsenal of healthy weapons will be a luxury for the Rams, who do battle with a Commanders team that is prone to giving up the big play. Kickoff for that game is at 1:05 p.m. (PT) on CBS.