The Buffalo Bills have learned that second-year linebacker Kiko Alonso has suffered a torn ACL, per Adam Schefter.
Kiko Alonso has torn ACL, will miss 2014 season
The Bills second-year linebacker finished 2nd in defensive rookie of the year voting in 2013.
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor
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 Alonso finished second in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting last season, just behind defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson of the New York Jets. Alonso was the Bills' second-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft and instantly made his presence felt in the middle of the field with his all-around playmaking ability, earning a starting role from the outset.
Alonso was expected to shift to weakside linebacker this offseason. Now the Bills will have to rethink their linebacking scheme. Brian Galliford from Buffalo Rumblings gives a rundown of the players expected to step up in Alonso’s absence.
In the event that the news turns out to be as bad as we’re all imagining it to be this evening, Nigel Bradham would be the obvious choice to take Alonso’s place on the weak side, with Brandon Spikes in the middle and Keith Rivers on the strong side. Rookie third-round pick Preston Brown could push for a starting gig, as well. None of these players are Kiko Alonso.
Alonso finished last season with 87 tackles, four interceptions, two sacks and a forced fumble.
Sending up prayers for @Kiko__Alonso
— Preston Brown (@PB_Number2) July 2, 2014 See More:
