Update:
Linebacker Kiko Alonso’s torn ACL, first reported last night by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, has been confirmed today by the Buffalo Bills (via Buffalobills.com’s Chris Brown):
“We have updated information regarding Kiko Alonso,” said Whaley in a team statement. “Unfortunately he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and will most likely miss the 2014 season. He will be scheduled for surgery in the near future and begin a rehabilitation program at the appropriate time. We feel badly for Kiko because he has worked very hard this offseason in preparation for the upcoming season, but we look forward to his return with his style of play that made him one of the league’s outstanding rookies in 2013.”
Alonso’s injury is a major blow to a Bills defense that was depending on the second-year pro to make plays at the weakside linebacker spot after playing his rookie season in the middle. Coming off an inaugural pro season in which he was third in the league in tackles with 159, recorded four interceptions and two fumble recoveries, Alonso won’t get the chance to prove how great a fit he was for his new position in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s defense.
As Brown writes, Schwartz had Alonso on the weak side, former New England Patriot and free agent signee Brandon Spikes in the middle, and fellow free agent signee Keith Rivers on the strong side. However, Brown points out that Rivers has experience playing the weak side:
Rivers spent the past two seasons with the Giants. In 2012 he played on both the strong and weak side before lining up mainly on the strong side for New York last year.
“Since my days at USC I’ve always been a sideline to sideline kind of player,” Rivers said. “I’ve kind of always been a WILL (weak side linebacker), but this past season I played a lot more SAM (strong side linebacker). Being in previous situations some of the stuff we’re playing here I’ve played in the past. It’s great to have familiarity with the calls.”
Brown also sees third-year linebacker Nigel Bradham as an option, referencing his range. Brown does point out that Bradham spent a lot of time at strong side linebacker in spring practices, so it would likely be an adjustment for him.
Where Alonso also could be missed is in nickel packages, as his four interceptions and ability to line up on all three downs, as he was one of only linebackers in league to play every snap.
Brown addresses how Alonso’s absence could decide who plays at linebacker in nickel defense packages:
In the nickel package when there are just two linebackers on the field Bradham or Rivers are likely to be paired with rookie Preston Brown or veteran Brandon Spikes. Brown had been getting reps as a first team nickel linebacker in OTAs and minicamp. The coverage ability of Bradham or Rivers will be a welcome asset in those packages in the absence of Alonso in 2014.
With less than three weeks until the team’s next practice (July 20, the beginning of training camp), how the Bills’ defense adjusts could be the main storyline of camp.
Original Text:
The Buffalo Bills announced Tuesday night that second-year linebacker Kiko Alonso, the league’s third-leading tackler with 159 in the 2013 season, injured his knee.
“We have learned tonight that Kiko Alonso injured his knee while working out in Oregon,” GM Doug Whaley said in a statement. “We do not have the details at this point, but early indications are that it may be significant.”
Alonso was going to move from the inside linebacker spot he played his rookie season to the weakside position, with Brandon Spikes replacing him in the middle. Now, players like Keith Rivers, Nigel Bradham, Manny Lawson, and third-round pick Preston Brown may have to compete to take over Alonso’s position for however long the former Oregon Duck cannot play.
While the Bills have yet to confirm or deny, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter tweeted what he’s heard the injury is, and the length of time Alonso could miss.
Bills LB Kiko Alonso tore his ACL and is expected to miss season, per source. It’s considered a seven- to nine-month recovery. Blow for BUF.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 2, 2014
Reaction regarding the true impact of Alonso’s injury was prevalent on Twitter after the news broke.
Don't get it twisted with the position change, that #Bills LB corps was built around Alonso. Changes entire dynamic of group if he's out.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) July 2, 2014
Kiko Alonso played every defensive snap for the Bills in 2013, 1145 total. One of just 3 NFL LB's to play 100% of D snaps in 2013.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 2, 2014
Hate to hear this injury news about Kiko Alonso. It's hard to find LBs with his size that can run/cover/blitz. Would be a huge loss for BUF.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) July 2, 2014
After a great opening season for Alonso that included four interceptions, and a second-place finish for defensive rookie of the year, the off-season has not been kind to him health-wise. Alonso was already recovering from off-season hip surgery, and now this injury could very well end his sophomore campaign before it even truly started.
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