LAR Colby Parkinson
NFL tight end. Position: TE. Team: Los Angeles Rams.
Quick Facts
- Position: Tight End
- Team: Los Angeles Rams
2026 Outlook
Parkinson's value as a blocker continues to unlock the Rams' efficient three-tight-end offense under Sean McVay. His presence increases the designed run rate from 42.8% (without him) to 47.8% (with him) and boosts play-action rate to 30.8%—among the highest in the league—because defenses must honor both the run and vertical passing threats. His on-field presence correlates with top-10 yards-per-play efficiency and explosive play rates, making him a critical piece for McVay's offense rather than a pure receiving weapon. (per x-factor-nfl-players-who-can-swing-the-season-for-super-bowl-contenders)
Role / Depth Chart
TE1 in multi-tight-end committee. In-line tight end in 13-personnel (three tight end) looks, functioning primarily as a run-game blocker and play-action facilitator. Second among 48 qualifying tight ends in successful targets per route run, fourth in first downs per route run.
Post-training-camp depth chart (August 10): Parkinson positioned as TE1 ahead of Tyler Higbee (TE2), Terrance Ferguson (TE3), Davis Allen (TE4), and Max Klare (TE5). OC Nate Scheelhaase explicitly stated he does not expect one tight end to emerge ahead of the rest, preferring a committee approach because of how dynamic the group is. All top five tight ends are expected to make the team and contribute, with Parkinson leading the rotation (per Projecting Rams' depth chart after training camp - Rams Wire).
Week 1 snap count vs 49ers (Sept 11): Parkinson played 77% of snaps, the most among all Rams tight ends and higher than Puka Nacua's 70%. The three-tight-end usage (Parkinson 77%, Terrance Ferguson 51%, Davis Allen 34% before injury) confirms McVay's aggressive deployment strategy. Parkinson's heavy snap share reflects his role as a blocker and ball-carrier in the efficient run game, making him a floor player with limited receiving ceiling (per rams-week-1-snap-counts-breaking-down-rotations-at-rb-wr-and-cb-yahoo-sports).
Recent News
- 2026-09-28 — Injury Updates: McVay says Terrance Ferguson (ankle) and Jaylen Watson (shoulder)... (Injury Updates: McVay says Terrance Ferguson (ankle) and Jaylen Watson (shoulder)...)
- 2026-06-26 — Colby Parkinson's Rams future is even clearer in light of recent trend (Colby Parkinson's Rams future is even clearer in light of recent trend)
- 2026-07-03 — Ranked as X-factor for Rams Super Bowl chances (x-factor-nfl-players-who-can-swing-the-season-for-super-bowl-contenders)