Nick Saban provides injury update on Crimson Tide's Will Anderson

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson left Saturday’s game against Mercer with an apparent leg injury early in the third quarter. Already missing Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis, the Crimson Tide take another hit on defense heading into next week’s game at Florida.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban provided an update on the linebacker following their 48-14 win.

“Will Anderson went out. Checking out his knee, he’s questionable as to what his circumstance will be for the upcoming week,” Saban said in his postgame press conference.

One of the top pass rushers in the nation, Anderson took a helmet to his knee when a Mercer player cut block him. The preseason All-American walked to the sideline before walking under his own power to the Alabama locker room with members of the Crimson Tide training staff.

Anderson earned a starting job in camp as a true freshman and never looked back. On his way to being voted a freshman All-American, he was third in the SEC in sacks with seven, while also ranking third in tackles for loss at 10.5. He made an impact in the College Football Playoff, too, with a blocked field goal.

Alabama freshman records first career interception

Alabama freshman Kool-Aid McKinstry recorded his first career interception in the first quarter against Mercer. The former five-star recruit has competed for a starting role since arriving on campus in the spring and has seen increased playing time so far on Saturday.

On second-and-one, Mercer quarterback Carter Peevy looked to his left and threw the ball into the flat. Another former five-star recruit and new starter Drew Sanders tipped the ball as it came across the line of scrimmage and Kool-Aid McKinstry jumped into the passing lane to make the interception. The Crimson Tide took over at their own 46-yard line with no return on the play.

KOOL-AID MCKINSTRY WITH THE INT!#Alabama #Mercer

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— Sideline CFB (@SidelineCFB) September 11, 2021