Alabama safety Jaylen Key leaves LSU game with injury in first quarter

Early in the game against LSU, Alabama could already be down a defensive back. Safety Jaylen Key went down after a play and eventually was helped off the field by trainers. The SEC broadcast showed the defensive back heading into the medical tent.

While there is no official injury diagnosis yet, Charlie Potter of On3’s BOL thought Key was grabbing after his left thigh on the play.

“Jaylen Key stays down and is grabbing his left thigh,” Potter said via X. “Trainers came out to check on him, and he gingerly walks off under his own power.”

Key has been an important part of the Alabama secondary over the past few weeks. It took a few weeks to get acclimated after joining the program via the NCAA transfer portal. He had been playing at safety alongside true freshman Caleb Downs.

Kristian Story was the immediate replacement for Key but Alabama is hoping he can get back onto the field. Walking off the field under his own power could be a good sign about him potentially getting back into the game.

If not, Alabama will likely have to make some adjustments on defense. Saban even could be interested in shifting the secondary around. There are players on the roster capable of being inserted at multiple positions and being prepared for some kind of absence due to injury during a game.

Nick Saban assesses first quarter play of Alabama QB Jalen Milroe

There was always a chance Alabama was going to be in a track meet against LSU. With how Jayden Daniels has been playing in recent times, Jalen Milroe was going to have to put on one of his best performances of the season. Through one quarter, Nick Saban likes what he is seeing.

Alabama had a 14-7 lead after one, with the two touchdowns coming from Milroe on the ground. Saban likes what offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is doing with the play calling, working with what LSU is calling on the opposing sideline.

Of course, Saban had to throw in one area where the offense could improve, saying they could be blocking a little better.

“He’s done great so far,” Saban said on Milroe during an interview with CBS’ Jenny Dell. “We got to take what the defense gives and I think they’ve done a good job of that. They’ve got pressure a couple of times. Got to do a little better up front.”