St. Louis Rams bring back Linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar

The St. Louis Rams celebration of beating the Arizona Cardinals 24-22, was short-lived as one of their key players on defense suffered a broken fibula. That key player was linebacker Alec Ogletree, and reportedly had surgery earlier this week.

To replace Ogletree at the linebacker spot, the Rams have re-signed Jo-Lonn Dunbar. The Rams cut ties with him earlier in the offseason, but he will now rejoin the team once again. Ogletree was one of the key parts in the defense as he was the Rams leading tackler this season with 42 total tackles with 27 of those being solo. Ogletree also added on two sacks before his injury last week.

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With Ogletree gone for most of the season, one of the linebackers on the depth chart must step up and in a big way. Dunbar first played with the Rams in 2012 as a free agent signing. Dunbar was a Ram all the way up until this offseason as they had to make room for their official 53 man roster.

Dunbar started off his first four years with the New Orleans Saints at outside linebacker. Dunbar started 36 games over the last three years for the Rams, and was actually beaten out this year by now fellow teammate Akem Ayers. Now along with Ayers, and James Laurinaitis, Dunbar hopes to bring as much fire power as he did in 2012.

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) runs on to the field before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

In 2012 Dunbar had a career high of 115 tackles, and 4 1/2 sacks and two interceptions in his first year with the Rams. Dunbar knows the system, and could be the best option in trying to replace Ogletree. However Dunbar has not seen the glory days as of late. In 2013 he was released following a drug suspension.

Dunbar will be joining an already linebacker full depth chart with Darren Bates, Bryce Hager, and Cameron Lynch but Dunbar stands out as the front-runner with his experience. With that experience Dunbar should get a good chunk of playing in Ogletree’s absence. The Rams defense has been one of the best in the league this year, and it will be put to the test this sunday, as they face off with the undefeated Green Bay Packers.

Laurinaitis the captain of the defense will be on guard the whole game, as he lost his tackling leader and partner. Laurinaitis was right behind Ogletree this season with 29 total and 16 solo.

On the other hand, Ayers has played to his potential, and sometimes Mark Barron steps in and take some of the responsibilities from the outside linebacker position.

Ayers only has four tackles in 2015, with all of them of the solo variety. Whoever it may be lining up right next to Laurinaitis on Sunday, The Rams have a familiar face back on the team. The Rams strong defense shouldn’t struggle as much with losing Ogletree as Dunbar’s experience should help the defense more than people think. Whoever it may replacing Ogletree, the Rams are looking to take out another undefeated team this sunday in Green Bay.

Welcome Back Jo-Lonn Dunbar