Alabama Football Injury Report: Kentucky Week
Nick Saban declares two defensive starters doubtful and updates the status of many offensive players.
Jaylen Key and Deontae Lawson, both Alabama defensive starters, departed the LSU game with injuries and did not return. After the game, head coach Nick Saban stated Lawson had an ankle injury and Key had a quad issue, but he couldn’t say anything more until further testing was completed.
On Monday, Saban did not provide much additional information, labelling both players doubtful for this week’s game at Kentucky.
“I think we prepare to play [them] in this game because both guys have injuries that are day-to-day in terms of what they’re going to be able to do,” Saban said in a statement. “So it’s not just a matter of whether they would be ready to play in the game, but can they practice enough to be ready to play in the game?”
Saban also offered an update on junior safety DeVonta Smith, who has been sidelined all season due to a foot ailment.
“He’s actually getting to the point where he’s able to do dry land running,” Saban said. “I think he’s gotten up to like 80 percent or something like that. So he’s getting closer, but we just have to wait and see it as day-to-day too.”
Alabama’s depth at safety could be running low if Key is unavailable with Smith also out. Kristian Story saw increased playing time Saturday after Key went down.
On offense, Saban said both running back Jase McClellan and wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks have been a little banged up. Roydell Williams and Jam Miller got more carries than usual against LSU to lighten McClellan’s load.
After finishing second on the team in receptions and yards last season and first in touchdowns with 674 yards and eight touchdowns, Brooks has just three catches for 30 yards this season for Alabama.
“He’s done a great job on special teams,” Saban said about Brooks. “He’s been a little hurt which has contributed to his role to some degree. But he’s been great. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. When he’s gone into the games, he’s done a good job of doing what he needs to do. He got his shoulder banged up which has been a little bit of an issue for him all year, so we’ll see how this week goes this week as well.”
No. 8 Alabama plays on the road at Kentucky this Saturday at 11 a.m.
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