Alabama linebacker Christopher Allen injured during big play effort

Alabama’s star pass rusher Christopher Allen was injured during a big play effort in the second quarter of their opening week matchup with Miami. While sacking quarterback D’eriq King, Allen forced a fumble that was recovered by Alabama.

Allen was then looked at in the injury tent following the play, before being taken off the field on an injury cart for further evaluation in the locker room.

Hope it’s not too serious, looked awfully dejected leaving the field. pic.twitter.com/0HfoEQz7dS

— Chicago Gump (@GriffinTSmith) September 4, 2021

Alabama’s Christopher Allen injured

During the broadcast following Allen’s sack-fumble, the broadcasting crew announced both Allen and King were taken to the medical tent following the play. While King returned to the sideline shortly afterwards, Allen was carted off the field for further injury evaluation.

“Christopher Allen just emerged from the sideline medical tent with his right foot in a boot and is riding a cart to the locker room,” reported Charlie Potter of 247Sports as it happened.

Allen’s big play came early in the second quarter with Alabama already leading 17-0 in their marquee opening game. With Allen’s help, Alabama held Miami to only ten offensive plays on their first three drives. Miami punted on both first quarter drives before giving up the fumble early in the second.

Christopher Allen’s impact

The redshirt senior linebacker has become one of the best pass rushers on the Alabama defense. In 2020, Allen led the SEC in tackles for a loss with 13, and tallied six sacks. Allen entered the season opening game with three career forced fumbles before adding another to his career numbers.

Allen joined the Crimson Tide as one of the best prospects in the nation, a four-star recruit from Louisiana. Contributing as an edge pass rusher in his freshman season, Allen’s career hit a detour in 2018 when he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the season.

Returning from injury in 2019, he saw limited action despite playing every game of the season. In 2020 he became a feature of the Alabama defense in his breakout season.

Alabama starting strong

While entering the game ranked first in the nation and the favorites against 14th ranked Miami, Alabama’s first-half looked dominant. Ending the half with a 27-3 lead, Alabama recorded three passing touchdowns and two field goals including a 51-yard successful try.

The Crimson Tide defense looked dominant out of the starting gate, allowing only 57 yards total until Miami’s quick final drive of the half. Alabama forced one turnover and four punts from the Miami offense before giving up a field goal as the first half ended.

Miami ended the half with an 11-play drive to give them 107 total yards and their first points of the game.