Is Colby Parkinson Injured? A Look at the Rams TE’s Status After Slow Start vs. Seahawks on TNF
After getting drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, it took tight end Colby Parkinson a few years to find his footing. However, a move to the Los Angeles Rams in 2024 seems to have paid off as the sixth-year tight end has become a reliable touchdown target for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
After a big game against the Detroit Lions in Week 15, Parkinson has struggled to get going against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football in Week 16.
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What Happened to Los Angeles Rams TE Colby Parkinson?
No, Parkinson is not injured; he just has not been targeted by Stafford against the Seahawks in the first half of their divisional Thursday Night matchup. It’s a bit puzzling as his usage has spiked over the latter weeks of the season.
After a slow start to the 2025 season, including putting up a negative yardage total and a fumble in the season opener, Parkinson was unleashed against the Lions in Week 15, catching five of seven targets for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
He would finally get his first catch on the Rams’ opening drive of the second half from a creative play by Rams’ head coach Sean McVay. After handing off the ball to running back Kyren Williams, Williams tossed it back to Stafford for a flea flicker. Stafford then found Parkinson, who had leaked out into a TE screen, and took the pass 16 yards for a first down.
Rams dialing up a TE Screen off of a Flea Flicker 🔥 pic.twitter.com/88gH4zagCn
— Jake Franklin Football (@JakeFranklinFB) December 19, 2025
No catches in the first half for Parkinson was surprising, as the Rams have never needed guys to step up more after watching wide receiver Davante Adams go down with a hamstring injury against the Lions.
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While Puka Nacua has continued to keep an impressive pace, catching four passes for 74 yards in the first half, Stafford is going to need more guys to fill the void with the playoffs quickly approaching.
The Rams have been one of the best offensive and defensive units in the league this season. Coming into Week 16, the Rams had the top-rated offense according to PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with an impact score of 94.1, the only team in the NFL with an A rating.
The defense hasn’t been as dominant, but it is still the fifth-ranked unit in the NFL, according to PFSN’s Defense Impact metric, with an impact score of 85.6.
Stafford has been playing at an MVP-level this season. The injury to Adams is a blow, but if other players step up to take his place, the Rams still have a clear path to being Super Bowl contenders this season.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
