Linebacker Alec Ogletree is in the middle of it all on defense for the Rams

In his role as the Rams’ new middle linebacker, Alec Ogletree is determined to get his point across to teammates.

That’s why he vocally and demonstratively expressed frustration on the sideline last week after the Kansas City Chiefs drove for a touchdown on their first possession, the same scenario that occurred the week before against the Dallas Cowboys.

On Wednesday, it might also have spurred Ogletree to aggressively tackle running back Benny Cunningham, and then bump Cunningham a few moments later to set off a scuffle. The incident was a precursor to another multiplayer scuffle after the next play — involving star running back Todd Gurley — that forced Coach Jeff Fisher to stop practice.

Ogletree would not specify what precipitated the exchange with Cunningham.

“It was just competing,” he said, grinning.

Ogletree, 25, is two exhibitions into his transition from a weak-side role to the center and signal-caller of the defense.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Ogletree has made three tackles in his limited series while attempting to master his new responsibilities.

“He’s super-freakishly athletic,” defensive end William Hayes said, “and he can make plays most middle linebackers can’t make.”

Starters traditionally get little, if any, playing time in final exhibitions — the Rams play at Minnesota on Sept. 1 — so Ogletree’s last significant opportunity before the Sept. 12 season opener will come Saturday night against the Denver Broncos.

“I want to go out there and be smooth, give all the calls and get on and off the field,” he said. “Collectively, I want to win the game, I want everybody not to have too many mistakes and definitely not give up touchdowns and first downs.”

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Rams running back Todd Gurley was supposed to be treated like a quarterback during training camp. Then he included himself in a practice scuffle. Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry explain. 

During training camp, Ogletree has received guidance from defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, linebackers coach Frank Bush and Hall of Fame player Mike Singletary.

Teammates said Ogletree is asserting his leadership.

“We don’t move until he says so,” strong-side linebacker Akeem Ayers said. “Whatever he says, just as long as we’re all on the same page, we’re good.”

Ogletree had plenty to say during an expletive-laced message delivered early in the Kansas City exhibition. It was captured by crews filming for the HBO series “Hard Knocks.”

Ogletree explained that “it was something I just felt needed to be said” and that it “comes with that territory” of playing middle linebacker.

“We knew we weren’t playing up to our standards,” he said. “That was really the message. ‘Everybody get lined up and do what’s called and play up to our level, the potential we have.’ ”

Fisher delivered a different kind of message Wednesday after scuffles put the team’s two top running backs at risk.

Fisher stopped practice, had players stretch on the field and then gathered them around him before resuming the workout.

“They got a little testy so I gave them a timeout,” Fisher said. “It’s like, ‘Go sit in the corner, go to your room.’ ”

Cunningham had taken off his helmet and slammed it to the ground after his skirmish with Ogletree. But he did not begrudge the middle linebacker for his aggressiveness.

“You put so much into this game,” he said. “If you don’t have emotion or passion about it, you’re in the wrong profession.

“Sometimes the fire has to come out.”

Gurley was apparently defending Cunningham’s honor when he got into it with defensive players.

“If it wasn’t Todd, it would have been whoever had the ball on that play,” Cunningham said.

On Saturday, Ogletree and the defense will try to stop the running and passing game of a Denver offense that is going through a transition following the retirement of Peyton Manning.

Ogletree is intent that the Rams end their streak of giving up first-drive touchdowns.

“If we go three and out that will be great,” he said. “I’ll definitely be a happy camper.”

Quick hits

Starters will probably play about a half against the Broncos, Fisher said. … Offensive lineman Rob Havenstein remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list, but he will travel with the team to Denver. “Going to give him a good workout, good pregame workout, things like that,” Fisher said. “We’ll see how he is; we’ll see how he does next week.”… Quarterback Jared Goff again took snaps with the first-team offense during a few periods. … Quarterback Case Keenum connected with tight end Tyler Higbee for touchdown. … Running back Terrence Magee refused to stop running and fighting for yardage after his helmet came off during a team drill. … Thursday’s 4:30 p.m. practice is the final open practice at UC Irvine.