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Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree to miss substantial time with ankle injury

ByMichael Condon|

Sunday evening was spectacular in almost every fashion for the St. Louis Rams, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, the defense did not finish the night with the same personell they started it with. Starting outside linebacker Alec Ogletree went down in the third quarter with an ankle injury and it appears he will miss quite a bit of time because of it.

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The play occurred late in the third quarter when, attempting to tackle Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson, Rams safety T.J. McDonald rolled up on Ogletree’s right ankle. Ogletree went to the ground almost immediately and was carted off the field a few minutes later. Head coach Jeff Fisher spoke to the extent of the injury Monday.

"“Alec is going to require surgery, and I don’t know the extent of it right now.” Fisher said. “The doctors still have some discussions, and we still have to do MRIs and things like that. There’s potential right now for designation for return, but we’ll have to see.” (Nick Wagoner, ESPN)"

Fisher is referencing the injured reserve designated to return list. If Ogletree is placed on this list he would be eligible to return to the Rams active roster in eight weeks. This type of injured reserve list is actually a relatively new option for injured players, coming about in 2012 to allow players with substantial injuries that prevent them from participating in football activities an opportunity to return to the team before season’s end.

Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) is taken off the field with an injury during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

If St. Louis believes the injury is too severe they may place him on the injured reserve list, in effect, ending his 2015 season and his exceptional start.

Through three games Ogletree was leading all Rams’ players with 32 tackles, including two sacks. Sunday, he added ten more, including two for loss before going down with the ankle injury. He has also led the team in tackles each of the last two seasons. Needless to say, his loss will be a big one.

Defensive captain, and fellow linebacker James Laurinaitis spoke about the loss as well.

"“He was on as good of a three game start that I’ve seen. He was just all over the place on the field, really playing smart. You really saw his raw talent kind of come into form.” (Wagoner, ESPN)"

Back up linebacker Daren Bates replaced Ogletree on Sunday and finished with two tackles.

It was announced earlier today that Akeem Ayers will take Ogletree’s spot moving forward. The Rams have also brought free agent Jo-Lonn Dunbar in for a physical as a potential roster replacement. Dunbar played for the Rams as recently as last season , playing in all 16 games, and recording 36 total tackles.

Fisher talked about the injuries and the Rams’ “next man up” mentality.

"“We’ll move on, it’s that next guy up routine,” Fisher said. “Someone has to step up. Akeem will step up for him. Glad we’ve got Akeem to handle that role. We’ll just adjust accordingly defensively.”(Wagoner, ESPN)"

Ayers was signed in the offseason, fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the New England Patriots, to play strong side linebacker for St. Louis. Ayers has been limited to just 65 snaps this season and has recorded four tackles.

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