On the bubble: TE Hunter Long is running out of chances in the NFL
Is this Hunter Long’s last chance to stick on Rams’ roster?
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JB Scott
Training camp kicks off later this month for the Los Angeles Rams. This year’s practices will be held at Loyola Marymount University and will get underway on July 25th.
As training camp approaches, it’s time to take a look at individual players who may find themselves on the bubble of the Rams’ 53-man roster. For me, one of the most compelling names in that position is veteran tight end Hunter Long.
How Hunter Long landed in Los Angeles
Long was a third round pick out of Boston College in 2021 by the Miami Dolphins. He appeared in 16 games over a span of two seasons for Miami, catching only a single pass for eight yards on three targets.
During the 2023 offseason Long was included as part of the return compensation for Los Angeles—in addition to a third round pick that was used to select OLB Byron Young—in the Dolphins’ trade acquisition of CB Jalen Ramsey. The tight end started his Rams career on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which caused him to sit out offseason activities, training camp, and the start of the regular season.
Long made his first appearance with the Rams in Week 11 last season. He earned a start in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, but ultimately he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the following game versus the Baltimore Ravens. That was his fourth game of the year and Long played just 80 snaps on offense and special teams.
The Rams are relying on Long this season
Tyler Higbee suffered a season-ending knee injury of his own in the Rams’ wildcard loss to the Detroit Lions, which puts his status to open the season in jeopardy. There’s no telling when or if Higbee will contribute in 2024.
LA’s presumed starting tight end is Colby Parkinson, who the team inked to a free agent deal upon conclusion of his rookie contract with the Seattle Seahawks. At this point, anointing Parkinson as a starter is mostly a projection as he’s yet to eclipse 325 yards in a single season as a professional.
Davis Allen should also be able to carve out a role in Higbee’s absence. He came on late in his rookie season and seems to bring in nearly every ball thrown in his direction. While Allen is a capable receiver, he’s a somewhat limited athlete and we likely won’t see him in a feature role in Sean McVay’s offense.
The Rams will need three healthy tight ends for the regular season, and that brings our attention to Long. Long should have job security in Los Angeles for as long as Higbee is out, but the bigger challenge for him is staying healthy and being available to play.
Miller Forristall is the fourth TE currently on the Rams’ depth chart. He’s bounced around between the back of rosters and practice squads since 2021—including appearing in six games with the Cleveland Browns.
This is Long’s last chance in the NFL
The Rams would benefit from Long remaining healthy and contributing in 2024—especially over Higbee’s recovery from a late season knee injury. While many are ready to anoint Parkinson as the team’s starter, there could be a legitimate reason why the TE was buried on the depth chart during his time with the Seahawks. Competition is healthy, and we could see Parkinson, Allen, and Long battle for the starting job over training camp.
But if Long has trouble staying healthy, the Rams could scour the back of rosters and waivers for more bodies at the position. As things sit, Long seemingly has a job in Los Angeles this season for as long as he’s able to keep it. It could be his last chance to demonstrate he’s capable of playing in the NFL.
