This page may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and sign up, make a deposit, place a wager, or make a trade, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Rams' Max Klare: Healthy scratch to begin rookie campaign
Rotowire
Klare (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's season-opener versus San Francisco in Melbourne, Australia, Nate Atkins of The Athletic reports.
The Rams liked Klare enough to select him in the second round of the NFL Draft in April, but he's not going to be an option for the team in Week 1. Los Angeles has a crowded tight-end room that includes three veterans in Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen along with second-year pro Terrance Ferguson, so Klare may not log much playing time this year as long as those above him in the pecking order are healthy.
Klare brought in one of two targets for six yards in the Rams' 20-18 preseason win over the Chargers on Thursday.
The rookie second-round pick was much less active than during his first two preseason games, when he recorded a combined 11-59-0 line on 14 targets. There's no denying the fact Klare did make a very positive initial impression, but he's still likely slated to open the season no higher than No. 4 on the depth chart behind Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson (soreness).
Klare caught seven passes on eight targets for 37 yards during the Rams' 20-12 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday.
Klare was listed as the Rams' starting tight end for Saturday's exhibition game while Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson all observed the contest from the sidelines. Klare made the most of the opportunity, with four of his team-high seven catches coming in the first half, though he did commit a holding penalty late in the third quarter. Still, it was a productive performance from the rookie second-rounder, who is battling against Davis Allen (quadriceps) for a depth spot on the 53-man roster. The Rams' next preseason game takes place Saturday, Aug. 22 against the Saints.
The Rams selected Klare in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 61st overall.
Klare (6-foot-4, 246 pounds) is a natural fit for head coach Sean McVay's offense, having showcased natural acumen as a route runner during college along with solid speed and athleticism, though he didn't take part in drills at the combine and has room for improvement as a blocker. As a redshirt junior at Ohio State in 2025, Klare totaled 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns on 56 targets across 14 games. As a rookie, however, Klare's opportunities project to be significantly limited as he works to establish himself in one of the NFL's most crowded TE rooms. All of Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson and Davis Allen had roles on offense in 2025.
