Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Kendall Blanton celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rams sign Kendall Blanton to fill TE void

The Los Angeles Rams brought back Kendall Blanton on Thursday, signing their former tight end off Kansas City’s practice squad to fill the void left by the suspension of Brycen Hopkins.

Hopkins was suspended three games by the NFL on Wednesday for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. It left the Rams without a backup tight end to starter Tyler Higbee.

Blanton, 26, was waived by the Rams on Aug. 20 and claimed by Washington the following day. The Commanders later released him on Aug. 30 before the Chiefs signed him to their practice squad on Sept. 1.

Blanton played in 12 career games (two starts) for the Rams in 2019 and 2021, recording four catches for 37 yards. However, he caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown in four postseason games for the Rams en route to their Super Bowl title last season.

–Field Level Media

Jan 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) is upended by the San Francisco 49ers in the first half during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Rams TE Tyler Higbee avoids serious knee injury

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee avoided significant damage to his knee during the NFC Championship Game, NFL Network reported Monday.

The extent of the injury — as well as his availability for Super Bowl LVI — is not immediately known, however.

Kendall Blanton would see a significant uptick in playing time should Higbee sit out against the Cincinnati Bengals on Feb. 13 in Inglewood, Calif.

Blanton, 26, had five catches for 57 yards in Sunday’s 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He totaled four receptions for 37 yards in 11 games this season.

Higbee limped off the field Sunday after he was injured during the first quarter.

The 29-year-old Higbee caught two passes for 18 yards before exiting. He has nine catches for 115 yards in three games this postseason.

Higbee caught 61 passes for 560 yards and matched his career high of five touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. The receptions and yardage were the second most of his six-year career, all with the Rams.

–Field Level Media