Sean McVay's recent decision cost Tyler Higbee big time

With the Los Angeles Rams securing a spot in the NFL playoffs in Week 17, there isn't much to play for come Sunday. 

As a result, the Rams are resting veteran starters in the matchup, opting for health over anything else heading into the NFL's big dance, Rams head coach Sean McVay explained Wednesday. 

One of those starters who won't be playing is Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, who suffered a shoulder injury against the Giants. The rest is most likely warranted, but it also means the tight end will miss out on a contract incentive that could have netted him a nice bonus. 

If Higbee caught a five-yard pass on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, he would have netted a $120,000 contract bonus, according to Action Network.

On the year, Higbee has 495 yards, two touchdowns and 47 receptions. 

It has been an up-and-down year for the tight end. He appeared in 15 games and battled a series of nagging injuries throughout the season. 

His best game of the year came in September against the Cincinnati Bengals, when he racked up 71 receiving yards on five catches. 

His second-best game came recently in Week 17 when Higbee tallied 62 yards on six catches. 

The ill-timed shoulder injury and McVay's decision to sit the veteran, however, caused him to miss out on a bonus that would have put the cherry on top of a surprising year of success for the Rams.