The Carolina Panthers lost at home to the Philadelphia Eagles in a key Thursday night matchup, as they fell to 4-2 and may lose their division lead. To make matters worse, star middle linebacker Luke Kuechly had to leave the game with an injury. In other news involving linebackers, the Los Angeles Rams and Alec Ogletree have agreed to a massive contract extension. This deal comes as he was set to become a free agent.
Kuechly suffers concussion in loss
Towards the end of the second quarter, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly left the game after colliding with Eagles guard Brandon Brooks in the backfield on a goalline run.
He was then evaluated for a concussion, with it later being announced that he would not return. Kuechly will now be put into the concussion protocol.
This is the third time the star linebacker has suffered a concussion in the last three seasons. He suffered his first in the season opener of 2015, missing four games. The second came in week 11 last season and he sat out the rest of the year even after being cleared since the Panthers were not in contention.
Since being selected in the first-round in the 2013 draft, Kuechly has been a star and started all 77 games he had played in. According to Pro Football Reference, he has amassed 768 total tackles, nine sacks, 13 interceptions, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, defended 47 passes and a defensive touchdown.
Kueckly won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and followed it up by winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He has been selected to four Pro Bowls, is a three-time First-Team All-Pro and one-time Second-Team All-Pro.
CBS now says Panthers LB Luke Kuechly is being evaluated for a concussion - what would be at least his third in three years.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2017
Luke Kuechly is out for the game and in the concussion protocol.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 13, 2017
Rams reward Ogletree with extension
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to break the news that the Los Angeles Rams and inside linebacker Alec Ogletree had agreed to a lucrative contract extension.
The deal is for four-years, $42 million with over $30 million in guaranteed money. He will get $33 million over the first three-years of the deal. Ogletree is now the second highest paid linebacker only behind Luke Kuechly.
In his first four seasons with the Rams, Ogletree has started all 52 games he has played in. According to Pro Football Reference, he had 442 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, five interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, 34 defended passes and a defensive touchdown in that time.
Last year he was voted to the All-Pro Second Team. This season through five games he has 35 total tackles, two sacks and two defended passes as he is making the transition to inside 3-4 linebacker. According to Bleacher Report, Ogletree's 330 solo tackles since the 2013 season are the ninth most in the league.
The #Rams agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with LB Alec Ogletree. A key part of their future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2017
#Rams & LB Alec Ogletree agreed on a 4-yr extension worth $42M with over $30M in guarantees. Guarantees 2nd only to Kuechly at ILB 💰 💰 💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2017
Rams gave LB Alec Ogletree 4-year, $42M extension that includes $33M over first 3 years, per source. Now 2nd highest paid ILB to L. Kuechly.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2017
