Rams tight end Tyler Higbee is upended by the San Francisco 49ers in the first half during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Rams TE Tyler Higbee ruled out vs. 49ers with knee injury

If the Los Angeles Rams are to overcome their second-half deficit against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, they'll have to do it without one of quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite red zone targets.

Higbee went down with a knee injury during the scoreless first quarter and finished the game with two receptions for 18 yards on three targets.

The sixth-year pro ended the regular season ranked second on the Rams in receptions (61), third in targets (85) and receiving yards (560), and tied for third in receiving touchdowns (five). Higbee tied a season-high for catches with six in Week 18 against San Francisco, while collecting 55 yards and a season-best two touchdown receptions in the contest as well.

The survivor of the Rams-49ers game will take on the AFC-champion Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13.

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