Rough Week For Linebackers

Added on Oct 24, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Linebacker isn’t as important a position in the NFL as it used to be. For every Brian Urlacher or Patrick Willis, there are twice as many players plugged in on a weekly basis who will never become household names. Defenses today covet defensive ends and cover cornerbacks more than backers. That said, this doesn’t mean losing a starting linebacker to a season-ending injury can be shrugged off.

A week after the Ravens lost would-be Hall of Famer Ray Lewis to a torn triceps, three more teams are feeling the pain of a key defensive leader being sidelined for the remainder of the 2012 season.

The 1-5 Panthers didn’t need any additional bad news, but that’s exactly what they got when they learned Jon Beason would be placed on injured reserve in preparation of knee surgery. Beason missed 15 games in 2011 after suffering a torn Achilles. Needless to say, his absence will test an already beleaguered defense.

Dallas boasts one of the league’s most improved defenses due in part to rising star Sean Lee, who had racked 58 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble in six starts. Unfortunately for the ‘Boys, a severe case of turf toe will cost Lee the rest of the season. Ex-Panther Dan Connor and journeyman first-round bust Ernie Sims will attempt to replace Lee’s invaluable production.

Cleveland’s Scott Fujita’s topsy turvy 2012 took another disappointing turn after suffering a potentially career-ending neck injury in Sunday’s loss to the Giants. The 33-year-old has been embroiled in the never-ending Saints bounty fiasco, although he was cleared to play after Roger Goodell’s suspensions were lifted. However, he still faces a one-game penalty as he appeals a reduced punishment while at the same time lambasting the Commissioner’s record on player health and safety.

Neither the Panthers, Cowboys or Browns look like Super Bowl contenders, but any hopes they had of mounting a charge just got a lot more difficult.

Source: NFL.com