-
Pete Thamel, ESPN
Alabama star linebacker Deontae Lawson is out for the remainder of the year with a significant lower leg injury, Tide coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed on Monday. He’s Alabama’s second-leading tackler and considered a top prospect at his position for the upcoming NFL draft.
Lawson suffered the injury against Oklahoma on Saturday. He was taken to the locker room and quickly ruled out of the game.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said, in his press conference Monday, that Lawson wouldn’t play for the No. 13 Crimson Tide against Auburn this week. He declined further comment for coach Kalen DeBoer.
Lawson is Alabama’s second leading tackler with 76. He’s also one of the defense’s most productive players, as he has four deflected passes, an interception and both a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He also has a pair of sacks.
Lawson, a junior from Mobile, is draft eligible and considered one of the top linebackers in the upcoming draft. It’s uncertain how this injury will impact his upcoming decision.
He’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. 5 linebacker and is ranked No. 3 by both Jordan Reid and Field Yates.
Alabama is 8-3 on the season after losing to Oklahoma, 24-3, in Norman.