A roller finger follower rocker arm assembly for deactivating an engine valve. A follower body pivots on a hydraulic lash adjuster, and engages a valve stem or lifter. The body receives a reciprocating member having a first and second rollers outboard of the body for following eccentrics of a cam lobe that straddles the body, the body having elongate openings on either side of the reciprocating member. A locking pin selectively locks and unlocks the body to the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member does not make contact with the cam lobe and functions only as a link between the latching mechanism and the rollers. The pin engages the reciprocating member by a latching spring and is disengaged by pressurized oil supplied through the hydraulic lash adjuster. Means is provided for limiting axial growth of the HLA during deactivation mode of the rocker arm assembly.